WHO IS DEC?
The Disasters Emergency Committee (DEC) brings together 15 of the UK’s leading aid charities to respond quickly and effectively to major humanitarian crises overseas. Founded in 1963, the DEC has launched 79 national appeals, raising over £2.5 billion to help communities affected by hunger, drought, conflict and natural disasters across more than 60 countries.
The DEC launches appeals when there is a humanitarian emergency of such magnitude to warrant a national UK response. We mobilise the UK public’s compassion through large-scale fundraising appeals, working in partnership with our Rapid Response Network, a powerful alliance of UK broadcasters, media, and corporate partners. Most appeal funds are raised within two weeks of launch and support humanitarian responses over two to three years.
The DEC Secretariat is funded by contributions from member agencies, and, with our Board of Trustees, they are responsible for the day-to-day running of the DEC. There are currently 45 permanent staff, complemented by freelancers and a small number of dedicated volunteers during appeals, working together to promote the values of collaboration, accountability & transparency, learning, being humanitarian and impartiality.
Through contributions to the DEC's appeals, the UK public has shown extraordinary generosity, enabling us to reach millions of people in urgent need every time disaster strikes.
MISSION
A world where the impact of disasters on affected communities is minimised by working together through effective humanitarian response and growing community resilience.
• Raise funds quickly and effectively in large-scale humanitarian emergencies
• Uphold the highest standards of accountability and transparency
• Learn and share information to promote effective programmes of response
VALUES
Collaboration
DEC unite leading humanitarian agencies and partners to raise funds and respond to crises together.
Accountability & Transparency
DEC are answerable to the people they support and to their donors, ensuring clarity, honesty, and high standards in all they do.
Learning
DEC uses its shared experience to improve every response, continuously learning within and across emergencies.
Humanitarian
DEC prioritise urgent human needs, directing aid where it’s most needed, through the best-placed agencies.
Impartiality
DEC act independently and without bias, delivering aid based solely on need, regardless of identity or affiliation.
STRUCTURE
The DEC is structured in 5 main departments.
Programs and Accountability
Responsible for coordinating and monitoring member agencies’ use of the DEC appeal funds, ensuring impact, transparency, and accountability in humanitarian responses.
Finance and Resources
Manages the organisation’s finances, people & culture, IT, risk & compliance, and office facilities. Ensures that all resources are used efficiently and in compliance with regulatory standards.
Fundraising and Marketing
Leads on public fundraising campaigns during appeals; works with corporate partners & institutional stakeholders, trusts & foundations and digital/other platforms to maximise income. Also manages supporter engagement, data and payment platforms/donation channels.
Communications
Handles media relations, digital content, and messaging during and outside appeals. Ensures consistent, clear communication and brand visibility of the DEC’s work to the public and stakeholders.
Governance
Supports the Board and its Committees, ensuring strong oversight and compliance. Coordinates meetings, records decisions, and upholds the organisation’s governance.