Islamic Relief has welcomed the appointment of the new chairman to the Disasters Emergency Committee (DEC). Former ITV executive Clive Jones, CBE, has been appointed to chair the board of trustees for the DEC umbrella organisation.

Islamic Relief is one of 13 humanitarian organisations to make up the DEC, which brings together a unique alliance to respond to emergencies and disasters around the world. The DEC rallies Britain’s national fundraising efforts and ensures that funds raised go to agencies that are well placed to deliver effective and timely relief to people most in need.

Saleh Saeed, CEO of Islamic Relief Worldwide, said: “As an active member of the DEC, Islamic Relief is pleased to welcome Clive Jones as the new chairman. Clive brings with him a wealth of professional experience in senior broadcast roles which will be invaluable in his undertaking this huge responsibility.

"I’m encouraged by his commitment to support member agencies in making continuous improvements by learning from each and from every disaster response. This is an ethos that Islamic Relief is firmly committed to, as a means of strengthening further our capability to quickly and meaningfully help vulnerable people when disasters strike.

We were delighted to host a visit to Pakistan by the previous chairman to review our work on the ground helping the people recover from the devastating floods. Islamic Relief looks forward to further strengthening our relationship with Clive as the new Chair of the DEC and to working collaboratively to get real help to people suffering in disaster-zones.” Clive Jones is to visit Islamic Relief’s international office, in Birmingham, UK, within the coming month.

Islamic Relief was involved in the DEC’s two most recent appeals. It was one of the first agencies on the ground in Haiti responding to the massive earthquake that struck Haiti, and also in Pakistan, when the unprecedented floods swept across the country. Islamic Relief has been serving the people of Haiti for more than a year, rebuilding schools and helping local people get back on their feet. In Pakistan, Islamic Relief is continuing a long-term programme to rebuild communities and lives.

Islamic Relief is an international humanitarian aid and development agency, with more than 26 years experience of serving humanity.