Safegaurding Commission

St Joseph School, Paola – Introduction to Safeguarding for Parishes and Entities

18/09/2026

This short seminar will assist participants to recognise the basic themes in safeguarding and learn to create a safe environment for children, young people, and vulnerable adults in their entity.

St Joseph School, Paola staff

The course will consist of one in-person session, taking place on Tuesday, 22nd September 2026, from 9:00am to 12:00pm.

A Certificate of Lecture Attendance will be awarded to participants who attend the in-person session. This certificate does not carry any academic credits.

Rabat Parish – Introduction to Safeguarding for Parishes and Entities

15/09/2026

This short seminar will assist participants to recognise the basic themes in safeguarding and learn to create a safe environment for children, young people, and vulnerable adults in their entity.

Rabat Pastoral Workers

The course will consist of one in-person session, taking place on Saturday, 3rd October 2027, from 9:00am to 12:00pm.

A Certificate of Lecture Attendance will be awarded to participants who attend the in-person session. This certificate does not carry any academic credits.

OFM – Introduction to Safeguarding for Parishes and Entities

11/09/2026
MQF

The Pastoral Formation Institute is licensed by MFHEA
(Licence #: 2013-FHI-028) as a Further and Higher Educational Institute. The is accredited at EQF/MQF Level 4, as a Higher Education Programme.

This short seminar will assist participants to recognise the basic themes in safeguarding and learn to create a safe environment for children, young people, and vulnerable adults in their entity.

Order of Friars Minor

The course will consist of one in-person session, taking place on Saturday, 19th June 2027, from 9:00am to 12:00pm.

A Certificate of Lecture Attendance will be awarded to participants who attend the in-person session. This certificate does not carry any academic credits.

Introduction to Catholic Social Teaching – EOHSJ

13/08/2026
MQF

The Pastoral Formation Institute is licensed by MFHEA
(Licence #: 2013-FHI-028) as a Further and Higher Educational Institute. The is accredited at EQF/MQF Level 4, as a Higher Education Programme.

This introductory course explores the foundations and contemporary relevance of Catholic Social Teaching. Through key themes such as human dignity, the common good, structures of sin, work, ecology, and artificial intelligence, participants will reflect on how the Church responds to social, economic, and technological realities in the light of the Gospel. The course encourages a deeper understanding of justice, solidarity, and care for creation, while helping participants discern their Christian responsibility in building a more humane and compassionate society.

Members of EOHSJ (Equestrian Order of the Holy Sepulchre of Jerusalem)

The course will be delivered entirely through a series of pre-recorded lectures accessible on our VLE platform at a time and place convenient for you after October 2026.
Session Title
Introduction to Catholic Social Teaching 
Structures of Sin 
The Economy and the World of Work 
Our Common Home 
Human Dignity and the Common Good in the time of AI 

This course has three exit certificate options: 

  1. Certificate of Participation 

The student will receive a Certificate of Participation when viewing all the videos of this course and they successfully complete a short online assessment.

2. Certificate of Achievement 

The student will receive a Certificate of Achievement when (in addition to meeting the attendance criteria) they successfully complete all assessments, which are:

(i) a short online assessment

and,

(ii) a written assignment.

Click here to view the PFI’s Grading System

Language: Applicants must be proficient in English.

Digital: Applicants must be digitally literate particularly in the use of office suites and of the internet, to both of which they must have access.

Fondazzjoni Sebħ – Introduction to Safeguarding for Parishes and Entities in English

11/08/2026
MQF

The Pastoral Formation Institute is licensed by MFHEA
(Licence #: 2013-FHI-028) as a Further and Higher Educational Institute. The is accredited at EQF/MQF Level 4, as a Higher Education Programme.

This short seminar will assist participants to recognise the basic themes in safeguarding and learn to create a safe environment for children, young people, and vulnerable adults in their entity.

Fondazzjoni Sebħ employees and volunteers

The course will consist of one in-person session, taking place on Thursday, 14th January 2027, from 9:30am to 12:30pm at Fondazzjoni Sebħ, Ħamrun.

A Certificate of Lecture Attendance will be awarded to participants who attend the in-person session. This certificate does not carry any academic credits.

Award in Safeguarding Children and Vulnerable Adults for Fondazzjoni Sebħ in English – Grp 1

11/08/2026
MQF

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.

Fondazzjoni Sebħ employees and volunteers

February – March 2026
Lecturing Period
Mode of DeliveryDate & TimeVenue
In-personTuesday 23rd February 2027
from 9:00am to 12:00pm		Fondazzjoni Sebħ, Ħamrun
Recorded materialTuesday 23rd February 2027 – Tuesday 9th March 2027Recorded videos will be accessible online via our Moodle VLE platform
Assessment Period
AssessmentAvailable FromDue by
Short Multiple-Choice Online ExamTuesday 23rd February 2027Tuesday 9th March 2027
Reflective JournalTuesday 23rd February 2027Tuesday 23rd March 2027
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: 

  1. 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.
  1. 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
  1. 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.

Fondazzjoni Sebħ – Introduction to Safeguarding for Parishes and Entities in Maltese

11/08/2026

This short seminar will assist participants to recognise the basic themes in safeguarding and learn to create a safe environment for children, young people, and vulnerable adults in their entity.

Fondazzjoni Sebħ employees and volunteers

The course will consist of one in-person session, taking place on Thursday, 14th January 2027, from 9:30am to 12:30pm at Fondazzjoni Sebħ, Ħamrun.

A Certificate of Lecture Attendance will be awarded to participants who attend the in-person session. This certificate does not carry any academic credits.

Award in Safeguarding Children and Vulnerable Adults for San Anton Senior School

09/07/2026
MQF

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.

San Anton Senior School contributors

October – November 2026
Lecturing Period
Mode of DeliveryDate & TimeVenue
In-personFriday 30th October 2026
from 9:00am to 12:00pm		San Anton Senior School, Imġarr
Recorded materialFriday 30th October 2026 – Friday 13th November 2026Recorded videos will be accessible online via our Moodle VLE platform
Assessment Period
AssessmentAvailable FromDue by
Short Multiple-Choice Online ExamFriday 30th October 2026Friday 13th November 2026
Reflective JournalFriday 30th October 2026Monday 30th November 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: 

  1. 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.
  1. 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
  1. 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.

Award in Safeguarding Children and Vulnerable Adults for Duwa (2026/2027)

09/07/2026
MQF

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.

Duwa contributors

August – September 2026
Lecturing Period
Mode of DeliveryDate & TimeVenue
In-personSaturday 29th August 2026
from 9:00am to 12:00pm		Ta’ Mlit Pastoral Centre, Mosta
Recorded materialSaturday 29th August 2026 – Saturday 12th September 2026Recorded videos will be accessible online via our Moodle VLE platform
Assessment Period
AssessmentAvailable FromDue by
Short Multiple-Choice Online ExamSaturday 29th August 2026Saturday 12th September 2026
Reflective JournalSaturday 29th August 2026Tuesday 29th September 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: 

  1. 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.
  1. 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
  1. 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.

Award in Safeguarding Children and Vulnerable Adults for Parroċċa tal-Marsa – It-Trinità Qaddisa

02/07/2026
MQF

The Pastoral Formation Institute is licensed by MFHEA
(Licence #: 2013-FHI-028) as a Further and Higher Educational Institute. The 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.

Parroċċa tal-Marsa – It-Trinità Qaddisa parishioners

September – October 2026
Lecturing Period
Mode of DeliveryDate & TimeVenue
In-personSaturday 12th September 2026
from 9:00am to 12:00pm		Sala tal-Parroċċa tal-Marsa – It-Trinità Qaddisa
In-person
(to watch recorded material)		Saturday 19th September 2026
from 9:00am to 11:00am		Sala tal-Parroċċa tal-Marsa – It-Trinità Qaddisa
Assessment Period
AssessmentAvailable FromDue by
Short Multiple-Choice Online ExamSaturday 12th September 2026Saturday 26th September 2026
Reflective JournalSaturday 12th September 2026Monday 12th October 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: 

  1. 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.
  1. 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
  1. 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.