The Pastoral Formation Institute is licensed by MFHEA
(Licence #: 2013-FHI-028) as a Further and Higher Educational Institute. The Award in Safeguarding Children and Vulnerable Adults is accredited at EQF/MQF Level 4, as a Higher Education Programme.
The short course – Safeguarding Children and Vulnerable Adults will assist staff and volunteers in recognising the key principles of safeguarding and in creating a safe environment for children, young people and vulnerable adults.
Employees and volunteers working with children and vulnerable adults and handling their data.
May – June 2026
Lecturing Period
| Mode of Delivery | Date & Time | Venue |
|---|---|---|
| In-person | 9th May 2026 from 9:00am to 12:00pm | Ta’ Mlit Pastoral Centre, Mosta |
| Recorded Material | 9th – 23rd May 2026 | Recorded videos will be accessible online via our Moodle VLE platform |
Assessment Period
| Assessment | Available From | Due by |
|---|---|---|
| Short Multiple-Choice Online Exam | 9th May 2026 | 23rd May 2026 |
| Reflective Journal | 9th May 2026 | 9th June 2026 |
LO1 – Competence
By the end of the programme, the learner will have acquired a good enough combination of the below mentioned skills and knowledge, so much so that s/he will be competent enough to provide an emotionally, mentally and spiritually safe working environment for children and/or vulnerable adults; can recognise and deal with different signs of abuse; can comply with national laws, policies and procedures concerning safeguarding and can refer and collaborate with professionals in the field to ensure that the person in question is not being abused.
LO2 – Knowledge
By the end of the programme, the learner will be able to: a) identify the principles of safeguarding; b) familiarise himself/herself with safeguarding policies; c) identify signs and symptoms of different types of abuse; d) know the disclosures of abuse; e) know the legal obligations related to the Protection of Minors; (Registration) Act (2011) and the Minor Protection (Alternative Care) Act (2019).
LO3 – Skill
By the end of the programme, the learner will be able to: a) practice the principles of safeguarding; b) practice professional boundaries; c) use a standard response to a disclosure of abuse; d) be able to recognise signs and symptoms of different types of abuse; e) identify the actions to take if you have a concern and also identify who can help;
This course has three exit certificate options:
- Certificate of Attendance
A Certificate of Attendance will be awarded to students who:
- attend the in‑person session,
- watch all the recorded material, and
- do not submit any course assessments.
- Certificate of Participation
A Certificate of Participation will be rewarded to students who:
- attend the in‑person session,
- watch all the recorded material, and
- submit and pass a short online multiple‑choice examination
- Certificate of Achievement
A Certificate of Achievement is awarded to students who successfully concluded the course, that is;
- attending the in‑person lecture and completing all online videos,
- submit and pass a short online multiple‑choice examination
- submit and pass a short reflective journal.
Students who obtain the Certificate of Achievement will also receive an MFHEA‑recognised certificate and transcript at MQF Level 4 (1 ECTS credit).
Click here to view the PFI’s Grading System
Awarding Body: Pastoral Formation Institute
There are no qualifications required for this course. The only requisites are:
Language competences: The student is required to have an end of primary school level of understanding of Maltese and English.
Digital competences: The student is required to be digitally literate, including knowing how to access the internet and use a word processor.
This course is mandatory requirement for all staff and volunteers working for the Church in Malta and part of the Safeguarding Clearance Certificate.