I hear on the grapevine that Disasters Emergency Committee (DEC) has appointed a fundraising manager.

And in a shock move they have selected someone with no experience of fundraising.

Perhaps this is a clever move by a consortium that recognises its unique positioning as a charity?

The DEC does not really need to fundraise in the traditional sense of convincing the public that its cause is worthy of support.

After all, when the DEC launches an appeal, the need for support is usually firmly established by the media.

But my more cynical side has to wonder whether this is just a triumph for internal politics, with 13 of the largest development and aid charities not really wanting to have a strong fundraiser at the head of DEC in case it starts to encroach upon their own territory....?

Time will tell.