Disasters Emergency Committee

The Disasters Emergency Committee (DEC) has a strong network of support, known as the Rapid Response Network (RRN), made up of broadcasters in television and radio (BBC and commercial), the Banks, the Post Office, BT, regional and national press, and a range of organisations in the corporate sector. These organisations play a key role at the time of appeal. 

Television
The BBC and the Independent Television Network (ITN) have supported the DEC for over 40 years. Both organisations provide free facilities for the production of an appeal script together with suitable footage, and a prime-time slot for "on-air" presentation by a celebrity "name". The BBC and ITN make these appeals available to Channel 4, Channel 5, BSkyB and MTV, who broadcast the appeal.

Radio
BBC Radio produces an appeal broadcast to coincide with the televised appeal. The RadioCentre ensures that independent radio stations around the country are also equipped to broadcast the emergency alert and appeal donation details.

Banks
High street banks provide over-the-counter donation facilities for DEC appeals, organised through the British Bankers' Association. The Co-operative Bank acts as a lead bank for the appeal, providing a central deposit account for appeal funds.

BT
BT provides the phone line network for credit/debit card donations. BBC Worldwide Audiocall manages 6,500 lines through an automated system.

The Post Office and Royal Mail
The Post Office provides over-the-counter donation facilities, and a PO Box address so that postal donations can be routed quickly to the Co-operative Bank.

The British Press
The DEC benefits from the support of the UK national and regional press, through the Newspaper Publishers Association. National and regional press provide a minimum of one well-positioned advertisement during the first 48 hours of an appeal's launch.

Other Supporters
The trustees warmly acknowledge and thank the following organisations that supply services at appeal times:

BBC, ITV Network Centre, Channel 4, Channel 5, BSkyB, MTV, BBC Radio, RadioCentre, Independent Radio News, Independent Media Distribution, Satellite Media Services, Telegraph Group Ltd, Independent Newspapers (UK) Ltd, Financial Times Ltd, Guardian Newspapers, News International Plc, Periodical Publishers Association (PPA), Trinity Mirror (National Titles) Associated Newspapers plc, Express Newspapers, The Newspaper Society, Newspaper Publishers Association Ltd, British Bankers Association, British Telcommunications Plc, Royal Mail, Post Office Counters, Alliance & Leicester, Securicor, Streamline Merchant Services.

And other individuals and organisations that supply their services at cost for their continued support:

Audiocall, Ogilvy, Direct Solutions International Ltd.

If you think your company or organisation could offer assistance or support to the DEC, please contact the DEC Secretariat at webmaster@dec.org.uk. Your support is greatly appreciated.