Disasters Emergency Committee (DEC)

The Disasters Emergency Committee (DEC) was formed in 1963. It is an umbrella organisation for 13 humanitarian aid agencies.

At times of overseas emergency, the DEC brings together a unique alliance of the UK's aid, corporate, public and broadcasting sectors to rally the nation's compassion, and ensure that funds raised go to DEC agencies best placed to deliver effective and timely relief to people most in need.

The DEC's remit is to unite agency efforts in times of disaster - such as flood, earthquake or famine - wherever it happens in the world. The way DEC approach our work is to maximise funds raised and ensure they are spent in an effective and fully accountable way.

DEC Members

The DEC is made up of 13 aid agencies (see below), who are UK registered humanitarian charities that fulfil certain criteria. The DEC members have the expertise in the delivery and provision of aid. Members' performance and any new applicants are reviewed every two years.

Rapid Response Network
The DEC is also supported by a network of television and radio broadcasters, the banks, the Post Office, BT, regional and national press and a range of organisations in the corporate sector. These organisations help the DEC at the time of an appeal, to publicise the situation and raise funds.

National Appeals
Crises and emergencies occur regularly throughout the world and the DEC cannot respond to them all. DEC appeals are reserved for major disasters and emergencies which cannot be dealt with by the usual in-country coping mechanisms, and where DEC agencies are in a position to respond quickly and effectively. The DEC Decision-making guidelines are used to ensure that a national joint appeal is the appropriate response to a particular emergency.

At the time of appeal, they coordinate a strategic response with the members and Rapid Response Network partners, organising a national fundraising appeal to finance urgently needed humanitarian relief. 

The DEC Mission Statement
The DEC is always striving to raise the standards of humanitarian aid. DEC works to ensure that the funds raised by the public are spent in the most effective way to finance humanitarian relief. The DEC Mission Statement outlines this.

The 13 member agencies are:

• ActionAid
• British Red Cross
• CAFOD
• Care International UK
• Christian Aid
• Concern Worldwide
• Help the Aged
• Islamic Relief
• Merlin
• Oxfam
• Save the Children
• Tearfund
• World Vision