Who we are
Who we are
DEC Chief Executive Saleh Saeed meets member charity staff in Yemen. Image: Ammar Bamatraf/DEC
When large-scale disasters hit countries without the capacity to respond, the DEC brings together 15 leading UK aid charities to raise funds quickly and efficiently.
In these times of crisis, people in life-and-death situations need our help and our mission is to save, protect and rebuild lives through effective humanitarian response.
Pooling our resources to work as one, we are pivotal in co-ordinating the UK public's response to overseas disasters. In collaboration with our Rapid Response Network of national media and corporate partners, we raise the alarm to the UK public and set up easy ways to donate.
And we have immediate impact, getting aid to people who need it, fast.
Representatives of six of the 15 DEC member charities launch the Coronavirus Appeal in Scotland. Image: DEC
MEMBER CHARITIES
The DEC is made up of 15 member charities who are experts in humanitarian aid and specialise in different areas of disaster response. They come together to speak in one voice and make fundraising more efficient when we launch an appeal.
Our members fund our running costs, and we give them back the money we raise in our appeals to carry out their vital work.
BOARD OF TRUSTEES
The DEC is governed by a board of trustees made up of the chief executives of our 15 member charities and up to six independent trustees. The board has ultimate responsibility for directing the affairs of the DEC and ensuring that it remains true to its charitable purpose and objectives.
THE SECRETARIAT
A small secretariat of 23 permanent staff is responsible for launching appeals, the day-to-day running of the organisation and the planning and execution of its strategic objectives.
Led by the Chief Executive, the secretariat is split into four teams: Communications, Fundraising, Resources & Finance, and Programmes & Accountability.
BT staff help run a telethon for the Philippines Typhoon Appeal.
RAPID RESPONSE NETWORK
Our Rapid Response Network of national media and corporate partners helps us raise the alarm to the UK public. Our poweful partnerships help us reach more people and set up easy ways to donate at times of disaster overseas.
Staff at the Red Cross field hospital hold a baby they helped to deliver in the Rohingya refugee camps, Bangladesh. Image: Paddy Dowling/DEC
Emergency Appeals Alliance
The DEC is part of a global alliance of similar humanitarian coalitions called the Emergency Appeals Alliance (EAA).
JOBS AND VOLUNTEERING
See job opportunities at the DEC secretariat and find out about volunteering in the UK and overseas.
RECENT APPEALS
Afghanistan Crisis Appeal
