The Disasters Emergency Committee (DEC) is made up of 13 humanitarian aid agencies, and works to raise and distribute funds at times of overseas emergency, and deliver a coordinated relief effort.
 
In addition to the assistance of 13 aid agencies, the DEC also has a strong network of corporate support, known as the Rapid Response Network. The Network is essential for raising funds from both the UK public and UK companies quickly and effectively when a disaster occurs.

Since the foundation of the DEC in 1963, it has been responsible in times of overseas emergency such as flood, earthquake or famine, to ensure that agency efforts are united productively to guarantee the best possible results. Its high-profile appeals included the Asian Tsunami Appeal on 26 December 2004.

The DEC is governed by a board of trustees which comprises the chief executive of each member agency, independent trustees, an honorary treasurer and the chairman. The current treasurer is Adrian Martin, and chair is Mike Walsh.