DAAS Announces Retirement of CEO Elaine Handley, Marking Over 40 Years of Dedicated Service

Derbyshire Addictions Advice Service (DAAS) today announces the retirement of its Chief Executive Officer, Elaine Handley, following an exceptional career spanning more than four decades of service, leadership, and innovation across Derbyshire’s drug and alcohol support landscape.

Elaine’s journey began in 1984, when she joined the then North Derbyshire Alcohol Advice Service as an administrative worker. At that time, the organisation comprised a small team — just the Director, two counsellors, and one part‑time administrator — operating from modest offices above a newsagent on Vicar Lane in Chesterfield. Under the chairmanship of Neil Swanick, whose long-standing support remained invaluable to both DAAS and Elaine, the service built the foundations of what would become a reputable, countywide, and impactful organisation.

Following the service’s relocation to West Bars alongside the Derbyshire Healthcare Foundation Trust Drug Service, Elaine began training as a counsellor while continuing her administrative role. Her work frequently placed her on the frontline of support, assisting with needle exchanges and providing crisis support to clients across both alcohol and drug services.

Alongside her day job, Elaine gained early counselling experience as a placement counsellor with Relate and pursued further study at Chesterfield College and later Derby University, where over three years  she  gained distinctions in both a bachelor of science and a master’s degree in counselling and education  (MEd) . In 1991, she took on the role  of alcohol counsellor, working across the High Peak and Dales.

Following successful completion of post graduate ILM management course, Elaine was appointed Team Leader of the new countywide  Derbyshire Alcohol Adice Service . During this period, alcohol and drug services moved to Bayheath House, and by 2006 DAAS had grown to more than 20 staff working across North and South Derbyshire. DAAS was subsequently approached by Derbyshire Public Health to become a commissioned service delivering MOCAM Tier 2 alcohol support—a major milestone for the organisation.

Elaine, by then Service Manager, played a central role in embedding a successful tiered alcohol treatment model in partnership with Addaction. DAAS increased its impact significantly, delivering criminal justice provision; primary health care training; community safety projects ; prison in-reach; and a series of additional health and wellbeing projects. During this time, DAAS secured two further competitive contract tenders, reinforcing its reputation for high‑quality provision.

One of the most pivotal phases in Elaine’s leadership came in 2016/17, when commissioning changes required the development of a fully integrated countywide drug and alcohol service. DAAS joined forces with Derbyshire Healthcare Foundation Trust, Phoenix Futures, and ITS to design and deliver what would become the Derbyshire Recovery Partnership (DRP) in response to Business development needs and the growth of the service, Elaine took the lead on managing a move to alternative premises at Dents Chambers .

This transition required substantial organisational change, including TUPE processes for staff, service redesign, implementation of the SystmOne clinical system, and the establishment of new clinical pathways. Despite the challenges, Elaine worked collaboratively to ensure that staff were supported and equipped to succeed in their new roles, ultimately helping to establish an integrated service.

During this time, Elaine also led DAAS in securing funding for STAND TO, a veterans’ support project that has since become a hugely valued and successful service in Derbyshire, delivered with dedication by the STAND TO team.

In recognition of the complexity of her role — spanning contract management, partnership leadership, and strategic service diversification — Elaine was formally appointed Chief Executive Officer of DAAS in 2022.

Under her leadership, DAAS and its partners once again successfully secured the countywide contract in 2024, despite strong competition from national providers. This achievement underscores the organisation’s long-standing reputation for reliability, quality, and compassionate client-focused support.

After more than 40 years of continuous service, Elaine now retires with immense pride in the organisation she has helped build and shape. She hands over leadership to Tracey Croasdale, current Deputy Manager.

It is with some sadness but with pride that, over forty years from when this all began, I am handing over my role to Tracey. I have every confidence that she will continue to grow and develop DAAS while maintaining the ethos and reputation we have earned over the years. Our team’s dedication, resilience, honesty, willingness to learn, and commitment to clients are what make this organisation special. I know the service will be safe in Tracey’s capable hands, and I wish her every success in her future role

Elaine Handley, CEO