Head of Disasters Emergency Committee (DEC) welcomes new member Plan UK

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I work for the Disasters Emergency Committee (DEC) - an umbrella organisation for up to 15 humanitarian aid agencies that unites aid efforts in times of disaster, such as flood, earthquake or famine in poorer countries around the world. Our member agencies are the UK’s leading experts in providing and delivering aid and also have the profiles to ensure successful national appeals.The DEC began its life in 1963 in the offices of the British Red Cross in Grosvenor Crescent in London as a simple “co-ordinating committee”. It was primarily established to “fill in” given the absence of a government department dedicated to overseas aid and a recognition within relief agencies and government departments to work together to provide aid for disaster overseas.We’re delighted that our newest member in six years is Plan UK, a global children’s charity whose approach to emergencies is very much child-centered. They focus on not only protecting children and their families following a disaster; but on a long-term approach by strengthening the resilience of at-risk communities in the countries they work in. This also fits well with the DEC’s quality framework, ensuring its members use funds effectively and transparently to help communities affected on a long-term basis - not just in the immediate aftermath.Our Chairman, Clive Jones said of this new partnership, “The DEC brings together the leading UK aid agencies and Plan has clearly demonstrated that it belongs in that company.  Their knowledge will contribute to our decision making and collective learning.  Their expertise, global reach and commitment will contribute significantly to the scale and effectiveness of the DEC funded response to future disasters.  We are delighted to have Plan as our newest member agency.”As the DEC is unable to respond to all the crises and emergencies that occur regularly throughout the world, its members have to be confident when an appeal is launched that they can make a difference and spend public donations effectively.  It’s exactly why our appeals are reserved for major disasters and emergencies that cannot be dealt with by the usual coping mechanisms within affected countries and where DEC member agencies are in a position to respond quickly and effectively.This, amongst many other attributes is why we know our newest committee member Plan UK, will be significant to any future DEC appeals.