In a captivating conversation with Saleh Saeed OBE, the Chief Executive of the Disasters Emergency Committee (DEC), listeners are treated to an in-depth exploration of the DEC's vital role in responding to global disasters and humanitarian crises. With a history spanning 60 years, the DEC stands as a testament to the collective power of the UK's leading charities, coordinating efforts to deliver rapid and effective aid to those in dire need.
Saleh delves into the unique operational model of the DEC, emphasising its reliance on a broad partnership network that includes 15 member charities such as Oxfam, Save the Children, and the British Red Cross, alongside a strategic alliance with major UK broadcasters. This synergy enables the DEC to launch impactful appeals that galvanise public support and funding, which are crucial for immediate humanitarian response.
The discussion also sheds light on the critical criteria guiding the DEC's activation: the scale of unmet humanitarian needs, the capacity for effective intervention, and the level of public sympathy and awareness. These criteria ensure that the DEC's efforts are both necessary and supported, allowing for swift action in the wake of disasters like the recent earthquakes in Turkey and Syria, and the ongoing conflict in Ukraine, which alone raised an astonishing £420 million.
Saleh offers a behind-the-scenes look at the DEC's operational dynamics when disasters strike, highlighting the pre-established preparedness and the rapid mobilisation of resources and partnerships that enable an immediate response. This efficiency is underscored by a transparent and accountable fund distribution system that ensures donations are swiftly channeled to where they are most needed, supporting life-saving and protective aid efforts.
Moreover, the episode touches on the evolution of the DEC over its 60-year history, including the expansion of its member charities and the cap on membership to maintain effective fund distribution. Saleh also addresses the importance of ongoing support from corporates and individuals, even in times of calm, to bolster the DEC's readiness for future crises.
Saleh's message resonates with the ethos of collaboration and joint effort. He passionately advocates for greater partnership and less competition within the humanitarian and wider charity sectors, emphasising that united efforts can significantly amplify the impact and reach of aid, making a profound difference in the lives of those affected by disasters and crises.
Thank you for downloading this episode of the Do One Better Podcast. Visit our Knowledge Hub at Lidji.org for information on 250+ case studies and interviews with remarkable leaders in philanthropy, sustainability and social entrepreneurship.
Bhawani Singh Shekhawat of the Akshaya Patra Foundation on tackling classroom hunger
Rachel Sandby-Thomas on skills and social mobility
Liesel Pritzker Simmons (Co-Founder) and Corina Gardner (CEO) of the IDP Foundation, on building a sustainable education ecosystem
George Richards, Director of Community Jameel, on J-PAL and advancing science and learning for communities to thrive
Katy Talikowska, CEO of the Valuable 500, on ending disability exclusion
Mallory Dwinal-Palisch, Chancellor of Reach University, on their innovative apprenticeship route to becoming a teacher
Paige Murphy, Head of the Wimbledon Foundation, on improving lives through sports and innovative partnerships
Rupert Abbott, Executive Director of GiveOut, on LGBTI advocacy through a human rights lens
Paul Ronalds, CEO of Save the Children Global Ventures, on impact investing and unlocking capital
Krish Kandiah, Founder of the Sanctuary Foundation, on welcoming refugees with open arms
Emma Cherniavsky, UK CEO of the UN Refugee Agency (UNHCR) on World Refugee Day and Changing the Narrative of how Refugees and Displaced Persons are Perceived
Hilary Cottam, Professor at the Institute for Innovation and Public Purpose at UCL (University College London) and author of Radical Help, on social design and rethinking our vertical post-war systems
Sophie Otiende, CEO of the Global Fund to End Modern Slavery, on creating a survivor-led environment
Priya Naik, Founder & CEO of Samhita, on sustainable livelihoods in India
Nitzan Pelman, CEO and Founder of Climb Hire, on the value of networks and leveraging social capital
Gemma Mortensen, Founder and Co-Creator of New Constellations, on imagining and creating better, more beautiful futures
International Rescue Committee’s (IRC) UK Executive Director, Laura Kyrke-Smith, on supporting refugees in the UK
John May, Chief Executive of Cats Protection, on the Power of Volunteering
Gary Haugen, CEO & Founder of International Justice Mission (IJM), on Protecting People Living in Poverty from Violence
President and CEO of Women’s World Banking, Mary Ellen Iskenderian, on women’s financial inclusion
Create your
podcast in
minutes
It is Free
The emPOWERed Half Hour
Social Dallas Podcast
Change Church Podcast
Fundraising is Funny
Six Degrees with Kevin Bacon
Nonprofits Are Messy: Lessons in Leadership | Fundraising | Board Development | Communications