Source document: https://docs-lawep.s3.us-east-2.amazonaws.com/1698136309143.pdf (Malta)
IT-TLETTAX-IL LEĠIŻLATURA P.L.

6896 Dokument imqiegħed fuq il-Mejda tal-Kamra tad-Deputati fis-Seduta Numru 487 tat-12 ta’ Lulju 2021 mill-Ministru għall-Edukazzjoni.
___________________________ Raymond Scicluna Skrivan tal-Kamra Malta Further and Higher Education Authority ANNUAL REPORT 2020 For the period between January 2020 – December 2020 MFHEA formerly known as NCFHE www.mfhea.mt ANNUAL REPORT 2020 Malta Further and Higher Education Authority The Annual Report 2020 outlines the NCFHE’s work overview over the past year and includes the Commission’s financial statements.
The Malta Further and Higher Education Authority (formely known as NCFHE) was officially launched on the 8th January 2021 and is legislated by the revised Education Act which came into force on the 1st January 2021.

The contents of this publication may be reproduced in part, except for commercial purposes, provided that the extract is preceded by a complete reference to the Malta Further and Higher Education Authority followed by the date of publication of the report.
© Malta Further and Higher Education Authority, March 2021 SECTION 1 – Reviews 3 Foreword - The Minister for Education Hon.
Dr Justyne Caruana ....................................................................................................................... 7 Introduction - Chairperson Judge Emeritus Dr Noel Cuschieri............................................................................................................................... 8 Message from the CEO - Chief Executive Officer Dr Rose Anne Cuschieri....................................................................................................... 10 COVID-19 Situation............................................................................................................................................................................................................... 12 SECTION 2 - Overview of MFHEA (Formerly known as NCFHE) 14 Mission Statement................................................................................................................................................................................................................. 15 NCFHE Board Members..................................................................................................................................................................................................... 16 SECTION 3 - Work Overview of MFHEA (Formerly known as NCFHE) 17 Provider Licensing................................................................................................................................................................................................................ 18 Programme Accreditation.................................................................................................................................................................................................. 20 Validation of Non-Formal and Informal Learning........................................................................................................................................................ 22 European Credit System for Vocational Education & Training
 (ECVET).............................................................................................................. 24 Quality Assurance................................................................................................................................................................................................................. 26 Malta Qualifications Recognition Information Centre (MQRIC)............................................................................................................................... 27 Mutual Recognition Coordinator and EU Affairs......................................................................................................................................................... 33 Research and Policy............................................................................................................................................................................................................. 35 Communications.................................................................................................................................................................................................................... 41 Legal.......................................................................................................................................................................................................................................... 46 SECTION 4: Finance and Administration 47 Corporate Services............................................................................................................................................................................................................... 48 Cost Cutting Achievements............................................................................................................................................................................................... 50 Information Technology
 (IT)................................................................................................................................................................................................ 51 Financial Statements............................................................................................................................................................................................................ 52 SECTION 1 Reviews FOREWORD The Minister for Education Hon.
Dr Justyne Caruana We have to take stock take of our systems and practices and introduce the much needed changes to further improve our educational system to prepare our people, both the younger generation and adults – through life-long learning, to be employable in quality jobs relevant to the Maltese economy.
As one of the European Ministers for Education, I am a firm believer that the policy framework being discussed, for a European cooperation in education and training post 2020, can benefit European economies by keeping economies competitive through innovation, digitalisation and environmental sustainability.
The European Education Area has a crucial role to play in guiding the way forward and could serve to enable more flexible, coherent, and accessible education systems for more opportunities in employability, inclusion, and engagement.

I acknowledge the work done during last year by the management and staff of MFHEA.
Their sterling work continued to deliver and reach out learners and providers in the education field in spite of the difficult and unprecedented circumstances which the pandemic brought with it.

Together with personnel working within my Education portfolio, I will be formulating a strategic vision for Further and Higher Education for the next decade, which policy should identify priority areas and related objectives.

This vision must prepare us for the changing world.
We must recognize the profound impact that the Covid-19 pandemic has had on further and higher education in Malta and around the world.

On the 8th of January of 2021, I presided the launch of the Malta Further and Higher Education Authority.

The setting up of this Authority marks an important step for Further and Higher Education in Malta.
The Authority is not only taking over the role of the former National Commission for Further and Higher Education but will continue to strengthen the educational institutions operating from Malta and Gozo.

I am committed to engage with all stakeholders to ensure that every individual will have access to quality education in an equitable manner.
I want to convey the message that every individual has strengths and capabilities to offer to the community, and we are where we stand, thanks to the input of each and every one of us citizens.
Dr Justyne Caruana Minister for Education Reviews | Page 7 Annual Report 2020 INTRODUCTION Chairperson Judge Emeritus Dr Noel Cuschieri On the 1st January 2021 Act 2 of 2020 The Further and Higher Education Act came into effect, setting up the Malta Further and Higher Education Authority, with a view to consolidating and complementing the functions previously exercised by the National Commission for Further and Higher Education which Commission had been established since 2012 by means of the Education Act.
The purpose of Act 2 is not to present a completely different legal scenario to that previously established by the Education Act; on the contrary it aims to build and develop on the previous position with a view to further enhancing the work done by the Commission in the field of further and higher education.

This emerges quite clearly from the provision of Article 3 which states that the Commission “is being re-established and incorporated in this Act …….
to seek to promote and develop further and higher education in Mata by means of regulation and by the promotion of best practices and the Authority shall assume all the assets and liabilities, rights and obligations previously vested” in the Commission.
Although by virtue of the said Article the Commission has been re-established and incorporated in the new Act, the latter has gone further than merely changing the name of the regulatory body; it has granted to the Authority a degree of autonomy in the exercise of its functions by endowing it with a distinct legal personality of its own, thereby enabling it to acquire, hold and dispose of property as well as to do anything which is incidental to its functions.
On a general level, it is firmly acknowledged that education in the broad sense of the term, including therefore all types of learning activity, is the driver which sustains and raises the standard of living of all members of society, to the extent that progress in the field of education has led to improvements in the socio-economic field.
So much so that, with the passage of time, the need has been felt to make the learning experience accessible to all, even at post- secondary level, including life-long learning with a view to Page 8 | Reviews enhancing the individual’s personal and social dimension as well as the prospects of a better career.
In today’s world with the huge developments in the field of technology, accessibility to learning has increased and continues to grow at a fast rate chiefly by virtue of online learning rendering education accessible to all who wish to advance in this field.

However, accessibility to further and higher education as well as the increase in the number of institutions and providers of education, on their own are not sufficient to secure a high level of learning beneficial to society.
A regulatory structure is essential to ensure that education in all fields of learning which is being imparted is of a good quality, for if any structure is allowed to grow and develop free from any direction, controls or regulations, there will be a real risk that that structure will eventually give way under its own weight; on the contrary if a structure is allowed to grow within a regulatory framework, that risk is eliminated since rules and controls ensure that it is built on solid foundations.
In the case of education, these controls take the form chiefly of quality assurance of the education provided.

This function of “quality assurance” is carried out by the Quality Assurance Committee which enjoys a high degree of autonomy in its decisions.
The law defines “Quality assurance” as the process which safeguards the quality of further and higher education within the economic, social and cultural context, on a national, European and international level, as well as enhancing and ensuring the use of approved measures as a means of improving the quality of institutional governance and the students’ well-being, teaching, learning, training and research towards a holistic quality educational experience.
In this context, the law has given to the Authority, and previously to the Commission, the primary function of accrediting providers of education and their programmes; as well as the function of granting licences to entities providing this type of education, approved by the aforementioned Quality Assurance Committee.

A very important step forward in the new law is the setting up of the Advisory Committee aimed at providing a forum for consultation with stakeholders.
This committee is composed of representatives from various interested sectors of society.

These are representatives of private and public further and higher education institutions or entities, of students, of civil society, of the business community and of trade unions representing the majority of employees in this sector.

In this way the law seeks to ensure that decisions taken by the Authority address the needs of all those concerned in this field of education.
The year 2020 has seen a large number of applications presented by providers wishing to conduct educational courses in Malta.

Notwithstanding the restraints caused by Annual Report 2020 the current pandemic, the Commission continued working relentlessly in all areas as evidence by the contents of the report.

In the field of accreditation in particular, 218 licence applications were presented that year, and examined together with the 73 applications brought forward from 2019.
This increase in the number of applications has brought greater challenges to the Authority, particularly in the field of quality assurance, as this entails more human resources to cope with effective and constant monitoring of the education provided with a view to ensuring that providers adhere to the conditions detailed in their licence based on the accreditation given to them.
By way of conclusion it is must emphasised that an education system which is both easily accessible to all and which is of the required standard is the best tool for developing good practices in the socio-economic fabric of our society, thereby contributing to a high standard of living.
Judge Emeritus Dr Noel Cuschieri Chairperson, MFHEA Reviews | Page 9 Annual Report 2020 Message from the CEO Chief Executive Officer Dr Rose Anne Cuschieri create a reliable local education system, for the benefit of both national and international students.

In the past year we continued to partner with the European Commission and the Council of Europe on a number of initiatives and projects.

We work in synergy with these two important entities, with commitment and dedication.
I am pleased to highlight our effective collaboration with providers of further and higher education, and with all stakeholders who in one way or another, work with the entity with a single vision: that of adopting the national strategy along the years, thus being at the forefront of significant developments.
In the year 2020 our internal focus was on advancing the national FHE Strategy, to build the resilience of our community, to form and maintain genuine partnerships, and to understand and respond to the unprecedented impact of the COVID-19 pandemic.

The Annual Report outlines the When we believed that we had all the answers, the key achievements over the past year and details progress questions changed (Paolo Coelho).

This is exactly what against long term objectives.


happened to us during 2020, while facing the Covid-19 pandemic.

Inevitably, NCFHE experienced a strong need As tertiary providers stepped up to help their students to adapt, to be creative and innovative.

By building on through uncertain and challenging times, we were our strong foundation, we were able to adjust to new committed to support them in the best ways possible.
This circumstances and find innovative ways of coping with such included: unprecedented circumstances.

During 2020, it became evident that what our entity offers, is more relevant than ever.

The National Commission for Further and Higher Education protects and ensures that post-secondary, vocational and tertiary education students receive the best quality education.

We know the significant impact that education has on both our economy and our community.
Education is such an integral part of people’s development, a development that is reflected not only academically, but also in relationships with others, at the workplace and in the community at large.

NCFHE, is a guarantee of quality and transparency.

We operate independently and impartially to legitimize and safeguard our institutions, our courses and our students.

We ensure that students get the best education possible, in order to become internationally competitive and achieve their goals in life.
In line with European Union standards, the Authority works efficiently and effectively with the aim of promoting a more educational community in order to be ready for the challenges of the future.
• frequent communications to keep all licensed education institutions updated with the necessary information; • clear definitions for online learning terms to assist licensed providers in understanding the different types of online learning and teaching; • guidelines to licensed providers who were shifting their teaching to online methods.
In 2020, NCFHE also launched a questionnaire among all licensed institutions to be able to analyse the implications of the pandemic on the following academic year with the intention of understanding better how best the NCFHE could support the licensed providers in Malta during such a difficult time.

The pandemic is still a reality.

Many entities and most projects have been affected, some in a mild manner, some more substantially.

Yet NCFHE has been able to cope and adapt in various ways.
One major issue that we are aware of is that the “corona-tiredness” is more apparent than ever before.

And therefore we need to be careful and realistic regarding what we ask and demand from entities.

The entity regulates, guides, evaluates, audits, researches and reports on the various elements of the education system with a view to ensuring quality education for all and to promote good practices.

Quality assurance is very important to guarantee transparency and efficiency.
This helps to There are important lessons to be learnt to ensure the development of the necessary knowledge, skills, attitudes, and values to help us in such difficult and challenging times.

And this certainly demands a concerted effort.

Page 10 | Reviews Annual Report 2020 I thank the Chairman Judge Emeritus Dr Noel Cuschieri and the members of the Board for their continued support, as well as the Quality Assurance Committee, chaired by Dr Kenneth Vella, for their dedication.
I would also like to express my gratitude to all my members of staff and thank them for their support and loyalty towards our entity.

I am very proud to say that my staff comes from ten different countries: Scotland, Italy, Lebanon, Hungary, Bulgaria, Poland, France, Russia, England and Malta.

We work in synergy and harmony that is hard to imagine.

While MFHEA knows so much work lies ahead, we are incredibly proud of how our team and our stakeholders have responded to the challenges of the past year.
We have been resilient in the face of this global health challenge, and this is credit to our providers and stakeholders who continued to co-operate with us, and to my team who have been steadfast and dedicated.

I look forward to the continued collaboration under the newly launched Malta Further and Higher Education Authority.

May I conclude by another quote from Paolo Coelho: “When we strive to become better than we are, everything around us becomes better, too”.
Dr Rose Anne Cuschieri Chief Executive Officer, MFHEA Reviews | Page 11 Annual Report 2020 COVID-19 Situation Due to the covid-19 pandemic, the NCFHE had to adapt to The questionnaire analysed the implications of the the major shift in education provision that happened quickly.
pandemic on the next academic year with the intention of The NCFHE saw a significant increase in interest in online better understanding how best the NCFHE could support learning and recognition of prior learning and thus had to the licensed providers in Malta during such a difficult time.

cater for it through different ways.


The questionnaire utilised was adapted from the COVID-19 • The NCFHE ensured that frequent communications were issued to keep all licensed education institutions updated with the necessary information.

• The NCFHE issued a communication with several definitions for online learning terms to assist the licensed providers in understanding the different types of online learning.
• The NCFHE also issued online learning guidelines to guide the licensed providers who were shifting their method of teaching to online learning.

• As will be described in the ECVET section of this Annual Report, two events were also organised to all education institutions where a local and a foreign expert gave detailed information on digital education provision.
Work on more detailed online learning guidelines has started in 2020, which shall be issued in 2021. questionnaire developed and circulated to member states by the German Presidency of the European Union.

The survey took place in August 2020.


The questionnaire focused on a number of elements including the planned safety measures, face-to-face teaching, the main challenges in preparing for the next academic year, the institutions’ budgetary and other implications, as well as mitigation conditions and guidance.
The main findings of the survey and the NCFHE recommendations for the way forward can be accessed at mfhea.mt/publications The Strategic Vision for 2030 contains the NCFHE recommendations for the national strategy for the coming years as well as the targets the country aims to reach on a national scale and in line with the European Union’s policies for education.
Throughout the process of the strategy development, the NCFHE acknowledged the deep impact that the Covid-19 pandemic has had on the further and higher education field in Malta and around the globe.
For this reason, the strategy Another shift experienced throughout 2020 was that takes into consideration the implications which the pandemic numerous education institutions had to switch to online had on all affected entities and proposed measures to learning as a temporary measure to adapt to the new reality ensure fast and strong recovery.

and the impact of the Covid-19 pandemic.


However, the NCFHE has noted an increased interest from education Part of the tasks for Malta in the EUROSTUDENT consortium providers who would like to include online learning is to organize the Policy Makers Conference in 2020.

Malta permanently.

Hence, the NCFHE is currently working with was supposed to host the policy makers conference on digital experts to cater for this shift.

May 13th to present a sneak preview of the data to all policy makers.
This event had to be cancelled due to Covid-19 In July 2020, the European Commission put forward an and was replaced by an online event to launch the first EVII ambitious agenda to guide Covid-19 recovery efforts in data before being discussed at the November Ministerial the fields of employment and social policy with a special Conference.

focus on skills and VET.


A paradigm shift was being proposed on skills with the aim to strengthen sustainable The NCFHE delivered a Live Stream Presentation on social competitiveness, ensure social fairness and build resilience.
media during a Webinar with ESU about the changes in It was noted by the European Commission that the main monitored the situation closely on the media and followed concept of ECVET was generally not applied and it did not informative webinars about how the pandemic impacted the the Admission Process in Malta due COVID-19.

The entity succeed in leading the development of a credit system for well-being of the people.
vocational education, thus the Commission put forward a proposal for a new council recommendation on VET to The Corporate Unit was also responsible for the Health ensure that the workforce is equipped with skills to support and Safety of the employees.

This area was challenging in the Covid-19 recovery.

2020 due to the Covid-19 Pandemic.

As of 13 March 2020 all employees were informed to telework for a number of Following the suspension of the academic year during months.
Once employees returned to the offices they were the first wave of the pandemic, during summer 2020, the placed on a roster to avoid having too many employees in Research and Policy Unit embarked on a project aimed at one office and to ensure that the necessary social distance gauging the effect on licensed further and higher education was being maintained.

providers and the consequences of COVID-19 on their preparations for academic year 2020/2021.
A number of purchases were carried out to ensure the Health and Safety of employees, these included the Page 12 | Reviews Annual Report 2020 purchase of aprons and disposable gloves for cleaning given the HR support they required.

The Corporate Unit also personnel as well as disposable masks, gloves and ensured that the Travel Insurance Policy was kept updated sanitisers for office staff.
Apart from the regular cleaning of in order to provide adequate coverage for all staff members the offices, sanitisation was also included on a monthly basis who travelled on duty.

Travel was stopped in March 2020.

A and all offices including all common areas were sanitised.

number of changes were also caried out to enable staff to Employees were also provided with cleaning products such carry over additional leave in view of the Covid-19 Pandemic.
as disinfecting sprays and wipes to clean their work area.

Staff were also informed about HR changes mentioned in the Government’s Annual Budget.

The NCFHE was also faced with a number of cases of staff members who were either tested positive or were placed As with all other organisations, the phenomenon of in quarantine due to having been in contact with Covid-29 working in a pandemic-dominated environment brought Cases.
The HR unit sent out a number of memos to inform with it a series of logistical and cultural challenges which staff on new policies being implemented in view of this.

It necessitated a rapid shift in our approach to maintaining also sent out a Health and Safety policy particularly targeted functional, effective and consistent interaction between staff, at measures taken due to the Covid-19 pandemic.

All staff customers and stakeholders.


Meetings suddenly became members were asked to take their laptops home with them virtual while social distancing and COVID-19 mitigation on a daily basis and all staff members who travelled abroad necessitated a move to mainstream remote working.

were asked to self-isolated for a period of two weeks and to provide Swab tests before returning to the office.
All The year in review has been dominated by COVID-19 personnel including staff members had their temperatures while the Commission was undergoing preparation to checked each time they entered the building and when the become an Authority.

COVID-19 is giving us an opportunity use of masks was made mandatory reminders were also to move towards a more digital reach and engagement in sent out to staff members.

communications.
communications.

During the planning and execution of the transition from NCFHE to MFHEA, the goal of the entity was The HR unit also installed Perspex at the reception area as to adapt fast to the sudden reality and to adopt an equitable well as various signage and stickers in the offices and the plan for the years to come.

communal parts.
Staff who were in quarantine were also Reviews | Page 13 Annual Report 2020 SECTION 2 Overview of MFHEA Formerly known as NCFHE Mission Statement NCFHE Board Members Chairperson Judge Emeritus Dr Noel Cuschieri Deputy Chairperson Mr Anatole Baldacchino Members Dr Mirielle Vella Ms Rodianne Haber Dr Jennifer Casingena Harper Dr Cory Greenland Ms Dorothy Lapira Dr Desiree Cassar Ms Ninette Sammut Mr Michael Debattista Secretary Ms Gabriella Mallia Page 16 | Overview of MFHEA (Formerly known as NCFHE) Annual Report 2020 SECTION 3 Work Overview of MFHEA Formerly known as NCFHE Provider Licensing Introduction database whereby all students from all over Europe can access key information on accredited programmes and As per subsidiary legislation 327.433 the NCFHE is “the licensed education institutions of all EU countries.
The shift competent authority for licensing, accreditation and quality from the online register to the Malta Qualifications Database assurance of providers and programmes”.

is set to be completed by the end of 2021.

Accreditation Process Statistics The accreditation of educational entities providing In 2020, the NCFHE received a total of 22 applications for accredited or recognised further and/or higher courses provider accreditation divided as below: is a legal requirement.
All education institutions wishing to offer programmes pegged to the Malta Qualification Framework need to apply for a licence with NCFHE.

Education institutions have the opportunity to offer both foreign accredited programmes and/or create their own programmes and accrediting them through NCFHE.

Status Number of Licenses Achievements Renewal Due to the covid-19 pandemic, the NCFHE had to adapt to the major shift in education provision that happened quickly.
New The NCFHE saw a significant increase in interest in online learning and recognition of prior learning and thus had to cater for it through different ways.

First and foremost, the NCFHE ensured that frequent communications were issued so to keep all licensed Carried forward from previous years 1 21 23 education institutions updated with all the necessary This means that the NCFHE was dealing with 41 open information.
Furthermore, the NCFHE issued a applications for provider accreditation throughout 2020. communication with several definitions for online learning These applications can be divided as follows: terms to assist the licensed providers in understanding the different types of online learning.

The NCFHE also issued online learning guidelines to guide the licensed providers who were shifting their method of teaching to online learning.
As will be described in the ECVET section of this Annual Report, two events were also organised to all education institutions where a local and a foreign expert gave detailed information on digital education provision.

Status Number of Licenses Obtained their License during 2020 Furthermore, work have also started on more detailed online Withdrawn during 2020 learning guidelines which shall be issued in 2021.
Moreover, more education institutions were introducing Carried forward to 2021 recognition of prior learning as one of their policies within their institutions.

Thus, through the ECVET Project the NCFHE carried out a desk-based research on local RPL 19 2 21 mechanisms and contracted SCQFP to assist in publishing Furthermore, we have also received an additional: guidelines on implementing a Recognition of Prior Learning Policy within education institutions which will also be published in 2021.
- - 4 application for a change in category.

7 applications from already licensed education institutions to start providing Online Learning.

Last but not least, another achievement during 2020 was the launch of the Malta Qualifications Database.

As from November 2020, key information on licensed education institutions and accredited programmes offered by such institutions can be found on the Malta Qualifications Database which can be accessed through the Commission’s website.
This Database is also linked to the Europass - By the end of 2020 10 indefinite licenses have been issued.

This means that these providers have passed their External Quality Assurance Audit and hence their provider license would not expire.

However, they are still subject to future quality assurance audits from NCFHE as required from time to time.
Page 18 | Work Overview of MFHEA (Formerly known as NCFHE) Annual Report 2020 By the end of 2020, the NCFHE had a register of a total of 131 providers divided as follows: Licence Category 40 40 35 40 35 30 25 20 15 10 Work Overview of MFHEA (Formerly known as NCFHE) | Page 19 Annual Report 2020 Programme Accreditation In 2020, the NCFHE received a total of 218 applications for programme accreditation.
The graph below shows the distribution of the applications for programme accreditation received according to MQF level.

In addition to 218 new applications received, 73 were carried forward from previous years, and thus during 2020 the NCFHE was working on a total of 291 programme applications.

These applications can be quantified as Number of Applications Received in 2020 follows: Status Number of Programme Applications 40 34 41 39 28 23 M Q F L e v e l 4 8 M Q F L e v e l 1 0 I n t r o .
L e v e l A & 40 35 30 25 20 15 10 5 0 5 M Q F L e v e l 8 Accredited during 2020 Withdrawn during 2020 Failed accreditation during 2020 Carried forward to 2021 In fact, the graph above shows the number of applications received per MQF Level and the table below further distributes these applications by ECTS Value.
Total 191 7 14 89 291 E C T S 1 - 1 0 E C T S 1 1 - 2 9 E C T S 3 0 - 5 9 E C T S 6 0 - 8 9 E C T S 9 0 - 1 1 9 E C T S 1 2 0 - 1 7 9 E C T S 1 8 0 - 2 3 9 2 4 0 + T o t a l 0 8 40 34 23 41 28 39 5 Introductory Levels A & B MQF Level Total 126 26 7 8 21 9 13 3 218 The courses accredited in 2020 are distributed across all MQF Levels as follows: 35 32 32 27 30 28 1 I n t r o .
L e v e l A 0 I n t r o .
40 35 30 25 20 15 10 5 0 2 M Q F L e v e l 8 Page 20 | Work Overview of MFHEA (Formerly known as NCFHE) Annual Report 2020 The courses accredited in 2020 according to their MQF Level and ECTS value are shown in the table below: E C T S 1 - 1 0 E C T S 1 1 - 2 9 E C T S 3 0 - 5 9 E C T S 6 0 - 8 9 E C T S 9 0 - 1 1 9 E C T S 1 2 0 - 1 7 9 E C T S 1 8 0 - 2 3 9 2 4 0 + T o t a l Introductory Levels A Introductory Levels B MQF Level Total 129 21 2 8 14 6 11 0 191 By the end of 2020, with the addition of the 191 accredited courses, the NCFHE would have accredited a total of 1543 courses across all levels of the MQF.
During 2020, the Accreditation Unit have worked on the Malta Qualifications Database together with the Research Unit.

This means that by 2021, the online register shall be replaced by the Malta Qualifications Database which is an improved and a more efficient way for students, education institutions and other relevant stakeholders to search for information with regards to accredited programmes in Malta.
Another shift experienced throughout 2020 was that numerous education institutions had to switch to online learning as a temporary measure to adapt to the new reality and the impact of the Covid-19 pandemic.

However, the NCFHE has noted an increased interest from education providers who would like to include online learning permanently.

Hence, the NCFHE is currently working with digital experts to cater for this shift.
Work Overview of MFHEA (Formerly known as NCFHE) | Page 21 Annual Report 2020 Validation of Non-Formal and Informal Learning During 2020, the validation of non-formal and informal their roles as per the subsidiary legislation.

This year, these learning gained a manager at NCFHE to ensure it is given meetings were transferred to online meetings to ensure it’s deserved attention and importance.

This is important continuation of the sterling work the SSUs carry out.
The also since VNFIL is also regulated by Subsidiary Legislation most active SSUs during 2020 were the Building and 327.432, Validation of Non-Formal and Informal Learning Construction, Hospitality and Tourism, Health and Social regulations of September 2012 making the NCFHE in charge Care, IT and STEM Engagement.

There was a total of 16 of its implementation.

online meetings during 2020.


The Legislation determines that the NCFHE must establish The National Occupational Standards are one of the most Sector Skills Units (SSUs), the members of which are to pivotal outcomes of the SSU.

These NOS are basically a set be appointed by the Commission with the approval of the of job-related standards which highlight the performance Minister.
Each Sector Skills Unit has 7 members: expected from an individual when carrying out a specific Chairperson A Workers' Representative 2 Education Representatives A member of a government board or authority 2 Economic Representatives The main roles of the SSU are to develop occupational standards in their respective sectors and to propose validation mechanisms.
In 2020, the NCFHE set up a new Sector Skills Unit in STEM Engagement which raised the total number of total SSUs to the 9 current SSUs covering the following sectors: - - - - - - - - - Automotive Building and Construction Education Support Hair and Beauty Health and Social Care Hospitality and Tourism IT Printing and Digital Media STEM Engagement role or function.
These standards are pegged to the Malta Qualifications Framework and compiled using the Learning Outcomes approach, which is what makes them pivotal and very useful in their related industries.

During 2020, a new communication has been issued to all education institutions informing them of the benefits of these NOS and how they can help employers, employees and guide the curriculum development.
Furthermore, during 2020 the National Occupational Standards have been included in the Malta Qualifications Database and will be fully accessible on the database as from 2021.

Throughout 2020, the NCFHE published 21 new occupational standards from the various sectors raising the total of published NOSs to 80.
The NOS are divided according to sector as follows: Ssu 2020 Total Hospitality And Tourism It Health And Social Care Automotive Hair And Beauty Printing And Digital Media Building And Construction 4 2 1 14 21 21 5 4 2 2 12 34 80 The Sector Skills Unit meet approximately once monthly to review National Occupational Standards and carry out Total Page 22 | Work Overview of MFHEA (Formerly known as NCFHE) Annual Report 2020 For validation Assessment 2020 was a continuous Lastly, during 2020, the validation of non-formal and informal success even though it was paused for some months due learning section had its first study visit.
The study visit was to the pandemic.

The NCFHE signed a Memorandum of hosted virtually where a two-day meeting with IBE Poland Understanding with AME Ltd to start offering validation was held and various elements of VNFIL were discussed assessment in the Building and Construction Industry as and compared during these meetings.

ITS, Jobsplus and well.


Furthermore, an updated MOU has been signed with Hyland Credentials have participated as well in this study ITS to include the roles covered by the new occupational visit and presented their validation assessment methods and standards published and another addendum to the MOU has blockchain technology to our Polish colleagues.
Through this been signed with Jobsplus to include the new Health and study visit, the NCFHE has strengthened ties with IBE Poland Social Care and Building and Construction roles.

who also in fact later during 2020 participated in the ECVET Final Webinar.

Throughout 2020, a total of 554 certificates were issued to applicants who successfully passed the validation assessment at Jobsplus and ITS in various roles as follows: Role No.
Of Certificates Childcare Manager Childcare Worker Assistant Tile Layer Assistant Electrical Fitter Tile Layer Assistant Plasterer Plasterer Assistant Plumber Plumber Assistant Block Layer 11 32 11 30 4 36 4 29 16 37 Block Layer 309 Hairdresser Health Carer Hospitality And Tourism Total 1 4 30 554 Work Overview of MFHEA (Formerly known as NCFHE) | Page 23 Annual Report 2020 European Credit System for Vocational Education & Training (ECVET) The European Credit System for Vocational Education and The table below shows the number of meetings, events, Training was a European instrument designed to support publications and other elements of the ECVET project: lifelong learning, the mobility of learners and the flexibility of learning pathways to achieve qualifications.
Since 2004, ECVET has widely contributed to the development of a ECVET Activity 2017 2018 2019 2020 Total better mobility experience through the use of learning outcomes.

In July 2020, the European Commission put forward an ambitious agenda to guide Covid-19 recovery efforts in the fields of employment and social policy with a special focus on skills and VET.
A paradigm shift was being ECVET Cafes Events Abroad Final Seminar Foreign Speakers proposed on skills with the aim to strengthen sustainable ECVET Experts competitiveness, ensure social fairness and build resilience.
Training Sessions Publications Videos “To succeed, lifelong learning for all must become a reality in Europe.” It was noted by the European Commission that the main concept of ECVET was generally not applied and it did not succeed in leading the development of a credit system for vocational education, thus the Commission put forward a proposal for a new council recommendation on VET to ensure that the workforce is equipped with skills to support the Covid-19 recovery.
As from 2021, ECVET and EQAVET shall be modernized and streamlined and in view of this, in this Annual Report we shall be looking back at the three years of ECVET Project within the NCFHE.

For three consecutive years, it was agreed between the NCFHE and EUPA (MT NA) that the NCFHE is to be responsible for the implementation of the annual ECVET Workplan in Malta to further disseminate the use of ECVET.
ECVET Project – 2020 The ECVET Project is usually a very social project whereby a number of meetings are organised to meet education institutions and discuss with them various topics.

Furthermore, the NCFHE staff and the ECVET Experts would have a number of opportunities to go abroad for events and job shadowing to get to know more about the work of our colleagues abroad.

However, this year, the pandemic had other plans and the ECVET Project had to go through major amendments to ensure its yearly success.
The main areas we focused on during this year’s project The ECVET Projects over the years aimed to: include: - Promote the Validation of Non-Formal and Informal Learning - Disseminate information to education providers through several meetings - Publish leaflets of information for prospective applicants and education institutions - Train vocational education institutions through several meetings even on a one-to-one basis - - - - National Occupational Standards Recognition of Prior Learning Digital Education Validation of Non-Formal and Informal Learning National Occupational Standards: Throughout 2020, two ECVET Experts were contracted to review the content of the first NOS published in Building and Construction and the Childcare NOS which are basically the first NOS published by NCFHE in 2016 and that need to be reviewed and upgraded.
The Building and Construction NOS have been sent for professional proofreading.

Furthermore, seven of the NOS, the ones used most for validation assessment have also been translated into Maltese.

The Childcare NOS have been sent for feedback to all relevant stakeholders.

Once this feedback was collected, a survey was disseminated amongst all childcare centres for further opinions from Page 24 | Work Overview of MFHEA (Formerly known as NCFHE) Annual Report 2020 the employers themselves.
In 2021 the new Childcare and in both Maltese and English will also be available on the Building and Construction occupational standards shall be authority’s website by the end of the first quarter of 2021. published in the Malta Qualifications Database.

Several articles were published on the subject on several newspaper supplements including the Times of Malta, Eduka Recognition of Prior Learning: and Nikber u Nitgħallem as well.
During 2020, another two ECVET Experts were contracted Moreover, throughout 2020, through the ECVET project to assist NCFHE with the Recognition of Prior Learning the NCFHE also organised several meetings to review guidelines.

Throughout 2020, the demands for RPL by the accreditation subsidiary legislation following the education institutions have increased considerably and implementation of the revised Education Act.
With the above thus the NCFHE felt the need to present guidelines to all as the main objectives of the ECVET Workplan for 2020, and education institutions on having a good RPL policy.

The with the support of national ECVET Experts, several activities ECVET Experts have carried out a desk-based research were implemented throughout the year 2020. on RPL policies at local education institutions including ITS, University of Malta, MCAST, Institute for Education and EAPTI-GPTIM.
Following this, two business breakfast were held to help with the ongoing research.

One was held to discuss further the institutions’ RPL policies with the education institutions themselves and the second was held to discuss the desired outcomes of the RPL policy.

The NCFHE has also signed a contract with SCQFP for them to draft the RPL guidelines for NCFHE to disseminate to all education institutions.
In fact by December 2020, the SCQFP had already participated in two ECVET events and presenting a Scoping Report.

It is intended to have the RPL guidelines published on the new website by the beginning of Q2 2021.

Digital Education By July 2020, the pandemic had hit all of our education institutions differently, but most of them were switching to online learning.
Thus, through the ECVET Project a Digital Education Webinar was organised with the participation of a local expert – Mr. Martin Debattista who presented a piece on the Local Approach to Digital Education and a foreign expert – Dr. Ghania Zgheib, Assistant Professor of Instructional Design and Technology at the University of Balamand, Lebanon who presented a piece on the Basic Elements of Online Teaching and Learning.
2 ECVET Business Breakfasts 4 S.L Accreditation Review Workshops Digital Education Webinar ECVET Final Webinar • Recognition of Prior Learning - Education Institutions • Recognition of Prior Learning - NCFHE Staff • Review of the Accreditation Subsidiary Legislation • A webinar with the participation of Mr. Martin Debattista and Dr. Ghania Zgheib on the local approach to digital education and basic elements of digital education • A webinar with the participation of: • Ms. Martina Vella - Update on ECVET and VNFIL • Mr. Martin Debattista - Quality Assurance in Digital Education • Ms. Aileen Ponton - SCQF and RPL • IBE Poland - VNFIL in Poland Promotional Campaign • Informational Videos in both Maltese and English on the National Occupational Standards • Informational Leaflet - Glossary of the most common terms in education The webinar has been accessible on YouTube since then and education providers have been using this digital education webinar as a point of reference when introducing Promotional Items digital education in their education institution.
• Pendrives • Pens • Sticky Notes • Notebooks Validation of Non-Formal and Informal Learning A promotional campaign on the validation of non-formal and informal learning has been a key part of this year’s project as well.

A video on the importance of occupational standards both in Maltese and English is currently in the works to be used on the new authority’s website.
Furthermore, a leaflet RPL with different definitions of key terms used in education Upgrade of NOS • Proofreading of Building and Construction NOS • Translation of 7 Building and Construction NOS • Expert support from SCQF on drafting guidelines for education institutions on the recognition of prior learning Work Overview of MFHEA (Formerly known as NCFHE) | Page 25 Annual Report 2020 Quality Assurance Introduction for or adapted to micro-credentials.
This is a two-year project co-funded by Erasmus+ KA3 Support to Policy The NCFHE is responsible for the implementation of reform and linked to the objectives of the new Erasmus+ Subsidiary Legislation 327.433 ‘Further and Higher Programme and the European Higher Education Area Education (Licensing, Accreditation and Quality Assurance) (EHEA) to increase access to continuous learning for all Regulations’.

The Quality Assurance (QA) Unit within the learners, regardless of age or experience.
NCFHE works to promote, support and ensure a national quality culture for the provision of Further and Higher education in Malta.

The main duties of the QA Unit include: In 2020, the NCFHE conducted training for prospective Panel Members on NCFHE Provider External Quality Assurance (EQA) Audits, which was divided into two • The evaluation (including assisting with the sessions: a webinar and a simulation exercise (mock development) of Internal Quality Assurance (IQA) audit).
Selected participants were provided with essential policies that accredited educational institutions need to knowledge and skills to be able to conduct External Quality have in place; Assurance (EQA) audits.
• Quality Assurance audits of licensed providers and other forms of External Quality Assurance (EQA) to support the continuous improvement of the sector and to ensure compliance with regulations and to monitor the fulfilment of national education targets; At the initiative of the QA unit and based on the results of surveys and consultation sessions with various stakeholders, the NCFHE has engaged experts to develop a simplified version of the EQA audit procedures for Further Education Institutions (FEI), which will be finalised and implemented in • Investigation of noncompliance cases; 2021.
The QA Unit is now composed of 8 members of staff (as at External Quality Assurance Audits December 2020).

Projects and Activities The QA unit is part of the following projects launched in 2020: • ‘Supporting European QA Agencies in meeting the ESG’ (SEQA-ESG) project, which was launched in June During 2020, the QA Unit started 20 new External Quality Assurance audits whilst continuing working on 22 other audits which were started in previous years.
The NCFHE conducted the EQA audit for two Universities in Malta, namely the American University of Malta (AUM) and Barts & The London School of Medicine & Dentistry.

Furthermore, 13 audits were completed and the reports were published on the NCFHE’s website.

The QA Unit has planned the EQA audits that were targeted to start in 2021.

2020.
2020.

The main objective of the project is to support European QA agencies and national authorities in six Work countries to establish a quality assurance system in line with the European Standards and Guidelines for Quality Assurance in the European Higher Education Area (ESG), which is one of the Bologna Process key commitments.
As a result of the completion of the activities and processes that have been performed and will be carried out in 2021 as part of the project will be the submission of the application for ENQA membership in 2022.

The QA Unit has continued to review and evaluate the IQA policies submitted by providers together with their application for provider accreditation and with requests for the renewal of the licence, whereas 27 IQA documents were submitted in 2020.
The QA Unit has continued to investigate a number of different cases of Non-Compliance related to misinformation, • ‘Bologna with Stakeholders Eyes For a Stronger Future delivery of unaccredited or unrecognised courses and of the Bologna Process’ (BWSE FORward).

It is a new courses delivered without prior approval of NCFHE.

Erasmus+ project led by ESU from June 2020 until May 2022.
The main goal of this project is to update the latest version of Bologna with Students’ Eyes publication (2018), with the scope of analysing the new scenario, requirements for education and training and implementing it from the students’ perspective in cooperation with stakeholders.
• The MICROBOL project aims for ministries and stakeholders to explore, within the Bologna Process, whether and how the existing Bologna tools can be used Page 26 | Work Overview of MFHEA (Formerly known as NCFHE) Annual Report 2020 Malta Qualifications Recognition Information Centre (MQRIC) MQRIC which was established under Mutual Recognition Stakeholders Meetings of Qualifications Act; Chapter 451 of the Laws of Malta, and is responsible for the recognition of academic and MQRIC was active to remove unnecessary bureaucracy, vocational programmes of study.
It provides recognition and holding repeated meetings with JobsPlus, ID Malta, and comparability of both academic and vocational programmes the Office of the Prime Minister.

MQRIC firmly believes using the MQF and the EQF and provides recognition advice that MQRIC statements are to aid the employability of an on local and international programmes.
individual and not be a hindrance, and thus continued to train and inform public and private entities about the correct MQRIC operates under the auspices of the 1997 Lisbon use of the MQRIC statement, the significance of the MQF/ Recognition Convention, officially the Convention on the EQF, the distinction in the legal frameworks regulating Recognition of Qualifications concerning Higher Education academic qualifications and professional qualifications, and in the European Region, which is an international treaty how to better gauge the suitability of a candidate based on of the Council of Europe elaborated together with the submitted academic documentation.
UNESCO, and is the principle legal agreement on credential evaluation in Europe.

Under this Convention, MQRIC it is the MQRIC also established several evaluation boards to official European Network of Information Centre (ENIC) on independently verify the standing of particular programmes mobility and recognition, the National Academic Recognition of study which could not be conclusively ascertained Information Centres (NARIC) of Malta, and participates in through standardized procedures.
the ENIC-NARIC network in the process of programme recognition, developing customary practise, policy and Participation in International Initiatives legislation in this field.
Recognition statements for academic qualifications are cooperate in EU programmes, these being: During 2020, MQRIC undertook its strongest drive yet to required for various reasons, such as: to pursue further studies, applying for a job or a promotion, qualification allowance, tax rebate, scholarship schemes, a single permit/ visa/citizenship with Jobsplus, amongst others.
Recognition in 2020 The year 2020 was a positive year for MQRIC operations, as it was able to consolidate the investment done in human resources and the online application system in past years and also in 2020, by drastically reducing processing times, and consequently eliminating the backlog of applications which was inherited and compounding from years past.
Compared with other ENIC-NARICs, Malta ranks highly in this regard, also when compared with centres enjoying a multiple human capacity advantage whose recognition service is limited only to university degrees with restricted geographic scope, unlike MQRIC’s which is open to all programmes of study from all jurisdictions.
The onset of the pandemic resulted in reduced uptake of the recognition service, and also manifested in delayed cooperation from ENIC-NARICs and education providers, particularly during the months from March till July, due to scattered personnel that were not as easily contactable as before.

Quality of the recognition statements has been high owing to improved due diligence procedures and the benefits being reaped by the online database, which assists evaluators in making more consistent assessments.
This is reflected by not having had any decision during 2020 • STACQ (Stacking credits & the future of the qualification) - Erasmus+ funded project, conjoint with Nuffic and other partner ENIC-NARICs.

Project builds further on the outcomes of e-VALUATE and PARADIGMS project.
Aims are to i) build an online application to easily evaluate MOOCs; ii) produce a position paper on the future of the qualification; • ARENA (Refugees and Recognition – Toolkit 3): Erasmus+ funded project, to further develop the Toolkit for Recognition of Refugees’ Qualifications, especially for cases with insufficient or lacking documentation, in cooperation with a broad range of ENIC-NARIC offices and higher education institutions.
The project will build on the results achieved in the previous Erasmus+ Policy Reform projects ‘Refugees and Recognition – Toolkit’ and ‘Refugees and Recognition – Toolkit 2 (REACT)’; • ADDS UP (Aiding Digital Diploma Supplement Usage and Promotion): Erasmus+ funded project; MQRIC initiated talks with UK NARIC to launch multiple projects which will mutually benefit each NARIC, (UK NARIC to maintain close ties post Brexit, and MQRIC to improve local uptake of the Diploma Supplement in all its formats); • PELIARQ (Promoting European-Levantine Internationalisation and Automatic Recognition of Qualifications): This Erasmus+ project seeks to promote links between European universities / systems and those in the Levant (Jordan, Lebanon, Syria, for this project); overturned by the MQRIC Appeals Board on the basis of any • MICROBOL (Microcredentials linked to the Bologna Key wrong procedure or assessment.
Commitments): The specific objective of this Bologna Work Overview of MFHEA (Formerly known as NCFHE) | Page 27 Annual Report 2020 Follow Up Group (BFUG) project is for ministries and Demographics of MQRIC Applications stakeholders to explore, within the Bologna Process, whether and how the existing Bologna tools can be used and/or need to be adapted to be applicable to microcredentials.
Ideally, all these short forms of learning should guarantee a standard of quality; they should be linked to the Qualifications Frameworks and be recognized appropriately throughout the European Higher Education Area.

So, the project will investigate what the options are within the current guidelines.
Over and above said projects, MQRIC maintained a strong participation at international fora, promoting a unified approach to recongiton and quality assurance, to reflect the better the exigencies of employers, students, and educational providers, which came to the fore during • In 2020, MQRIC received 6,849 applications representing 109 countries.

• November and December received highest volumes, 805 and 807 respectively.

• 3,793 Non-EU applications were received compared to 3,056 EU applications.
• Highest volume of applications were from Malta, 2025; followed by India 1,699.

• 20 applications were cancelled based upon non-receipt of required information or duplication, and 36 remain to be processed.

the pandemic.

MQRIC has been consistantly vocal that • Charts which follow represent these statistics and are develpments in this field are being stunted by lack of grouped by the nationality of the applicant.
coherence between various jurisdictions within the Euoprean Higher Education Area, which is restricting the develpoment of new programmes of study and means of delivery.
Cumulative Total Assessment Requests by Month 742 691 644 632 525 491 449 447 415 201 900 805 807 800 700 600 500 400 300 200 100 Page 28 | Work Overview of MFHEA (Formerly known as NCFHE) Annual Report 2020 Country by Country Breakdown of Applications Received Albania 22 Algeria Angola Argentina Armenia 2 1 5 1 Australia 18 Austria Bangladesh Belarus Belgium Bosnia and Herzegovina Brazil Bulgaria Cameroon Canada Chile China Colombia Comoros Costa Rica Cuba 4 11 2 2 11 46 34 5 17 2 36 54 1 1 1 Cyprus 12 Czech Republic Denmark Dominican Republic Ecuador Egpyt El Savador Eritrea Estonia Ethiopia Finland France Gabon Gambia Georgia Germany Ghana Greece Grenada Hong Kong 4 2 1 1 17 2 1 3 2 11 37 1 1 7 37 24 65 3 1 Hungary 36 India 1699 Indonesia Iran Iraq Ireland Israel Italy Ivory Coast Japan Jordan Kazakhstan Kenya Latvia 4 12 2 23 1 415 1 13 2 6 11 11 Lebanon Libya Lithuania Malawi Malaysia Mali Malta Mauritius Mexico Montenegro Morocco Namibia Nepal Netherlands New Zealand Nigeria North Macedonia Norway 14 24 9 1 2 3 2025 2 6 1 9 1 25 12 3 47 40 1 Pakistan 220 Palestine Peru 5 4 Philippines 870 Poland Portugal Romania Russian Federation St Kitts Serbia Sierra Leone Slovakia Slovenia Somalia South Africa South Korea Spain Sri Lanka Sudan Sweden Switzerland Syria Taiwan Thailand Tunisia Turkey Uganda Ukraine United Arab Emirates United Kingdom United States Uzbekhistan Venezuela Vietnam Yemen Zimbabwe Work Overview of MFHEA (Formerly known as NCFHE) | Page 29 Annual Report 2020 EU Applicants Vs Third Country Nationals European Union Third Country Nationals 3056 3793 0 500 1000 1500 2000 2500 3000 3500 4000 Category 1 Top 15 Countries by Nationality of Applicants 870 415 220 2025 1699 Malta India Philippines Italy Pakistan United Kingdom Serbia Greece South Africa Spain Colombia Russian
 Federation Romania United States Nigeria 130 109 65 64 63 54 53 50 48 47 0 250 500 750 1000 1250 1500 1750 2000 Applications Received Page 30 | Work Overview of MFHEA (Formerly known as NCFHE) Annual Report 2020 European Union Applications Received 2025 415 M a l t a I t a y l 130 U n i t e d K n g d o m i 65 63 50 G r e e c e S p a n i R o m a n a i 37 F r a n c e 37 36 34 G e r m a n y H u n g a r y l B u g a r i a 31 l P o a n d 23 l I r e a n d 12 C y p r u s 12 N e t h e r l a n d s 11 i l F n a n d 11 L a t v a i Applications Received Top 25 Non-European Union Applications Received 11 1699 870 220 109 64 54 53 48 47 46 46 40 36 29 27 25 24 24 23 22 18 17 17 14 13 Applications Received 2250 2000 1750 1500 1250 1000 750 500 250 0 1800 1600 1400 1200 1000 800 600 400 200 0 Work Overview of MFHEA (Formerly known as NCFHE) | Page 31 Annual Report 2020 Status of Received 2020 Applications Processed 6793 Cancelled 20 Under Review 11 Remaining for Processing 20 0 1000 2000 3000 4000 5000 6000 7000 8000 Applications Received Finalised Applications Arranged by Month, and by Automatically Generated finalised versus Non-Automatically Generated – Total Finalised for 2020 was 7,808 with 4,071 Automatically Generated (Automatically Finalised) and 3,737 Finalised after Review January February March April May June July August September October November December 575 613 645 560 517 538 675 646 775 721 845 698 0 100 200 300 400 500 600 700 800 900
 Automatically Generated Page 32 | Work Overview of MFHEA (Formerly known as NCFHE) Annual Report 2020 Mutual Recognition Coordinator and EU Affairs The Mutual Recognition of Professional Qualifications As part of our continuous strive to keep close contact with all is an important aspect of the free movement of citizens competent Authorities and Ministries in December the MRC throughout the EU.
The current legal framework has been hosted the Annual Conference for all Designate Authorities.

in place for more than fifteen years since the approval of Considering the extraordinary circumstances caused by the Directive 2005/36/EC on the Recognition of Professional pandemic the conference was held online.

Qualifications.
Qualifications.

The Directive has been transposed into A number of presentations prepared by distinguished national legislation primarily by means of the Mutual external speakers and practitioners in their respective fields Recognition of Qualifications Act 2002 (Cap 451) and the were delivered.

The agenda was packed with items ranging Recognition of Professional Qualifications Regulations (S.L.

from the recently transposed Proportionality Test, the 451.03).
The law lays down the framework through which implications of Brexit, the better implementation of the legal regulated professions are to be recognised by ‘Designated obligations by all authorities and the launch of the Single Authorities’ being the entities responsible for each individual Digital Gateway.

The conference was a remarkable success regulated profession.

considering the large follow up and interest generation followed by various one-to-one information sessions.
As Mutual Recognition Coordinator (MRC), it was essential to maintain a constant attention and take action on a series Other initiatives which absorbed substantial energies was of critical processes as established and prescribed by the the implementation on time of the necessary online tools Directive.

The Unit proactively acted on various fronts to as part of the official Launch of the Single Digital Gateway tackle all day-to-day issues, meet EU requirements, plan for (SDG).
The legislative proposal for the SDG was launched future initiatives and enhance capacity building among all in 2017 and approved in 2018 with the aim of creating a involved stakeholders.

This was only possible due to the single online digital portal to ease and improve access to internal synergies which experienced an appreciated boost information for service provider and recipients.
The Gateway with the transition of NCFHE from a Commission to the legal shall give access to information on rights, obligations status of an Authority coupled with the cooperation of all and rules laid down in the European Union and national involved partners.

The MRC is the Head of the MRC and law that are applicable to users.

The SDG was purposely EU Affairs Unit.


The Unit remit justly presented constant planned to be operational in stages with a list of problem- challenges considering the various and complex initiatives solving services including the National Assistance Center stemming from the different EU Institutions all of which for Professional Qualifications to undergo change over required prompt and incisive actions.

and be operational by December 2020.


The Assistance Centre is our direct contact with the general public where The good functioning of the entire Mutual Recognition the Unit strives hard to provide information and address all regime necessitates a fast and constant flow of information queries from the general public.
A number of tools such as among the relevant stakeholders in order to ensure an user feedback tools, statistical analytical tools, collection efficient implementation and enforcement of the regulatory and analysis of data and others had to be put in place to framework.

The Unit participated in all meetings of Group provide a better service whilst enabling all citizens to find of Coordinators held in 2020 and chaired by the European all the necessary information with greater ease and face Commission.
Those meetings proved instrumental in less obstacles.

It is with great satisfaction to note that the discussing a large array of topical issues and address enhanced Assistance Centre is now a reality and a solid ongoing initiatives.

The regulatory framework of Professional pillar of the Single Digital Gateway.

Qualifications is a dynamic reality in a constant change to reflect the economic and social changes taking place The 2020 year was also the culmination of a long but across the European Spectrum.
In 2018 the Directive suffered process of BREXIT.

The Unit was heavily engaged establishing the Proportionality Test before the adoption in advising the competent authorities about the changes of new regulation of professions was approved with the brought about by the United Kingdom’s exit from the aim to ensure that new regulation is proportionate whilst Union.

The fast transition from the agreed terms of the limiting the risk of introducing new barriers.
The 2020 Withdrawal Agreement to the Trade and Cooperation year was decisive where Malta successfully transposed Agreement reached on the 24th December 2020 demanded the Proportionality Test Directive under Chapter 612 of the a substantial reorganization of practices in a rather short laws of Malta.

The Unit immediately started work with all period of time.

Nevertheless, the Unit will still remain stakeholder to ensure observance of the set criteria.
engaged in various Brexit related matters well through 2021 considering the complexity of the matters in question.

It is worth mentioning the great work carried out in cooperation with various Ministries and Competent The MRC and EU Affairs Unit is also involved in the meetings Authorities in addressing a multitude of issues revolving of the Council of Europe Platform on Ethics, Transparency around the requirements of the Mutual Recognition of and Integrity in Education (ETINED).
It is a network of Professional qualifications.

The constant advise and input specialists appointed by Member States of the Council by the Unit aims to constantly improve the quality of the relevant legislation and ensure sound implementation.

of Europe and of States Parties to the European Cultural Convention.
Its mission is to: Work Overview of MFHEA (Formerly known as NCFHE) | Page 33 Annual Report 2020 • Share information and good practices in the field of transparency and integrity in education; • Contribute to the development of adequate answers to challenges that corruption poses to the sector of education and higher education; • Create a virtuous cycle in education, whereby all actors commit to fundamental positive ethical principles; • Develop capacity-building for all actors.
Page 34 | Work Overview of MFHEA (Formerly known as NCFHE) Annual Report 2020 Research and Policy Introduction - to collect information, data and statistics as required for “Knowledge generated by research is the basis of sustainable development, which requires that knowledge be placed at the service of development, be converted into applications and be shared to ensure widespread benefits,” Mary-Louise Kearney, UNESCO Director, Forum on Higher Education, Research and Knowledge.
the performance of its functions; - to publish studies and thematic reviews which it deems to be important as relating to: - - national strategy for further and higher education; key performance indicators on further and higher education in Malta; and - benchmarking performance against international developments In recent years we have witnessed a growing interest in strengthening the link between research and educational The annual compilation of further and higher education policymaking.
This is evidenced by the attention of European statistics, undertaken in collaboration with the National Commission to the issue of how data can be utilised to Statistics Office (NSO) and based on data collected from inform educational policy and how these processes might licensed education providers, is an essential part of the be improved.
Evidence informed policy and practice in functions of the unit and covers all further and higher education is, in fact, one of the immediate priorities of the education students and graduates in each academic year.

European Commission as described in the ET2020 strategic framework.
The data collection is a meticulous and time-consuming process so, in order to further reduce the administrative As such, the data collection component of research load on the surveyed higher education providers, the represents an essential element of the Research and Policy responsibility for data collection from the various institutes Unit within the National Commission for Further and Higher is divided and data is shared between the NCFHE and Education (NCFHE).
Data-driven decisions are essential to the National Statistics Office (NSO).

In fact, in 2019 a improve learning especially at a national level now more Memorandum of Understanding with the NSO was renewed than ever in the face of a year of extremes and shifting and set the guidelines for the collaboration that takes paradigms on a global scale as witnessed in the past year.

place.
place.

The agreement concerns the exchange of statistical information in the area of education data with the aim of These are among the objectives behind the setting up of reducing the duplication of work and, hence, minimising the the Research and Policy Unit (R & P Unit) as regulated by the burden on institutions.

Through this arrangement individual Education Act (Cap.

27 of the Laws of Malta), “…to undertake data is shared in its entirety in anonymised format.
This is research to guide policy development and standards that done to safeguard the confidentiality of respondents as live up to and guide the growth and changes in the sector”.

stipulated in the Malta Statistics Authority Act (XXIV of 2001).

The Research and Policy Unit’s role is spread over several Every year, through the Research and Policy Unit, the NCFHE central functions which are all interrelated positioning the issues two calls for data.
It collects the annual student groundwork for the further and higher educational sphere on enrolment as well as the graduate headcount statistics from a national and international level.

further and higher education providers in Malta.

This data collection provides factual insights on student enrolments Accurate data collection is essential to maintaining the in further and higher education as well as added data on integrity of research which, in turn, is essential for the graduates.
development of national policies and strategies.

This process of gathering and measuring information on In 2020 the call for data on graduates was issued at the variables of interest in an established systematic fashion, beginning of the year and covered all those students who permits the NCFHE to answer specific research questions, completed their programme of studies in the previous test hypotheses and evaluate outcomes.

To ensure this academic year.


The second annual survey is the call for the Research and Policy Unit fulfils its role through the students’ data.

This was made in Q2 and involves statistics undertaking of a number of projects.

of all students who are enrolled during the academic year in question.

In this case it covered academic year 2019-20.

Annual Further and Higher Education Statistics Surveys The provision of data by licenced institutions is a licence requirement.
Foremost among the Research and Policy Unit’s responsibilities are the yearly statistical surveys as It is worth noting that the compilation of data is also established by the Education Act (Cap.327) Article 66 which important on various other levels which are not purely states it has: academic or linked to learning.
The information extracted Work Overview of MFHEA (Formerly known as NCFHE) | Page 35 Annual Report 2020 also throws light on several interesting factors from a Policy Implementation social, demographic and economic standpoint, indicating growth and expansion in localities, age groups, nationalities 2030 National Further and Higher Education Strategic Vision and subject choices to mention but a few.
All this is indispensable in the planning of future strategies in further In-line with its legal mandate, in addition to undertaking and higher education as well as a number of other sectors research, the Research and Policy Unit also has various on a national scale.

other obligations, foremost among which is policy implementation.
This year, by far the most important The Research and Policy Unit also carries out other regular project in this area is the 2030 National Further and Higher surveys on the social and economic conditions of students Education Strategic Vision.
in further and higher education while additional research projects completed during the year also provide additional The Research and Policy Unit set up a Working Group from insights into areas of particular concern such as student representatives of the different NCFHE units to work on engagement in school life and learning, as well as in various developing the 2030 Strategy.

A first meeting was held on other relevant sectors that directly or indirectly influence August 5th 2020.
The first draft of the strategic priority areas policy implementation.

COVID-19 Pandemic Survey was developed by the Working Group and presented on September 2nd to all MEDE units working on their strategies.
The Strategic Vision for 2030 contains the NCFHE One cannot report on the year 2020 without referring to the recommendations for the national strategy for the coming devastating effect of the Coronavirus disease (COVID-19) years as well as the targets the country aims to reach on a pandemic or the challenging and changing global scenario national scale and in line with the European Union’s policies especially with reference to the education sector.

for education.
for education.

Following the suspension of the academic year during The document identified the priority areas and the related the first wave of the pandemic, during summer 2020, the objectives forming the direction for further and higher Research and Policy Unit embarked on a project aimed at education strategy in Malta for the next decade.
It follows gauging the effect on licensed further and higher education up on the Further and Higher Education Strategy 2020 providers and the consequences of COVID-19 on their proposed in 2009 and aims at ensuring that the strategy preparations for academic year 2020/2021.

responds to an ever-changing world, particularly the shifting changes in the way we live, work and relate to one another.
The questionnaire analysed the implications of the pandemic on the next academic year with the intention of better understanding how best the NCFHE could support the licensed providers in Malta during such a difficult time.

The questionnaire utilised was adapted from the COVID-19 questionnaire developed and circulated to member states by the German Presidency of the European Union.

The survey took place in August 2020.


The questionnaire focused on a number of elements including the planned safety measures, face-to-face teaching, the main challenges in preparing for the next academic year, the institutions’ budgetary and other implications, as well as mitigation conditions and guidance.
The main findings of the survey and the NCFHE recommendations for the way forward can be accessed at mfhea.mt/publications Page 36 | Work Overview of MFHEA (Formerly known as NCFHE) Annual Report 2020 and the need to move towards a digital and green circular The database features detailed information on qualifications global economy.
and awards in Malta and it is a reliable source to find answers to important questions which should be asked The strategy has also drawn on related policies and when looking into various study programmes.

strategies of public entities and stakeholders at national and international level which reflect further and higher The EU 2020 strategy highlighted the importance of education policy.
Reference was made to the United Nations education to contribute to the social and economic Sustainable Development Goals for 2030, the EU priorities development of our societies.

This can be achieved for reaching the EHEA in 2025, the Digital Education Action by reducing the incidence of early school leaving and Plan, the European Skills Agenda, and discussions around increasing Higher Education attainment.
Ensuring that the Osnabrueck declaration to ensure the strategic vision for education opportunities are quality assured, level rated and Malta is in line with the broader European context.

information readily accessible to those wishing to further their education is paramount in achieving this objective.
Throughout the process of the strategy development, the NCFHE acknowledged the deep impact that the Covid-19 This database will contribute to making information on pandemic has had on the further and higher education field accredited programmes in Malta more easily available to in Malta and around the globe.

For this reason, the strategy learners both in Malta and abroad.
It will ensure that anyone takes into consideration the implications which the pandemic wishing to further their education has the right information had on all affected entities and proposed measures to available to make informed choices and be assured that the ensure fast and strong recovery.

programme in question is accredited and level rated.
The strategic vision developed by the working group was The information provided on accredited programmes is finalised and presented online to the Permanent Secretary comparable and compatible with that provided by other Dr Frank Fabri on December 18th 2020.

Further work on countries to help ensure the transparency of the system consultations and developing the action plan for the strategy of accreditation carried out in Malta and to increase trust.

is planned for 2021.


Malta Qualifications Database It also facilitates the recognition of Maltese qualifications abroad through the transparent provision of information on programmes which are level rated and linked to the EQF.

This is further supported by the link of the NQD to the QDR The Research and Policy Unit is delighted to have brought and the EUROPASS portal ensuring a more comprehensive to conclusion another major project in 2020 – the Malta database of qualifications in Europe.
Qualifications Database linked to the Qualifications Database Register which has been developed through a The Malta Qualifications Database is a publicly accessible project co-financed by the European Union, in accordance information system which provides detailed information with the rules of Erasmus+ programme, Grant Agreement for about all Further and Higher Education qualifications and an Action with One Beneficiary.

awards that are accredited and can be obtained in Malta.
The Malta Qualifications Database also includes the National The project spanned 30 months and, after being granted Occupational Standards (NOS) which are pegged to the an extension of 8 months, it finally reached its conclusion Malta Qualifications Framework.

The NOS are a set of job- with the actual launch of the database on November 25, related standards which highlight the performance expected 2020.
This was promoted on the following media: Business when carrying out a specific occupation at a specific level.

Agenda Magazine, Vibe FM, Bay Radio and Campus FM, These standards define the main jobs that people carry TVM, ‘Ilsienna’ programme, Sunday Times, Times of Malta, out and link qualifications to the requirements of the labour Gwida.mt and participation on TVAM and Radio Malta.

market.

All accredited study programmes from MQF level 1 until MQF level 8 can be found in this database.
These include awards and qualifications by licensed providers and the three self- accredited institutions MCAST, ITS and University of Malta.

Through the development of the Malta Qualifications Database, the NCFHE ensures a functional database compatible with the EU regulations and which is also linked to the newly Launched EUROPASS platform to include learning opportunities.
Work Overview of MFHEA (Formerly known as NCFHE) | Page 37 Annual Report 2020 The success of the project would not have been possible into practice by improving access, progression and without the valuable help of the NCFHE IT manager and valuing of all types of acquired competences.

It provides the collaboration of the contracted IT company, which also consistency and coherence with the European Qualifications includes a 5-year maintenance agreement contract.
Framework and promotes the concept of mutual trust through robust quality assurance mechanisms across all The active process also involved: levels of the MQF.
- The participation in multiple webinars on database development with the EC - Collaboration with MCAST, ITS and UM and training sessions on usage of the database and on the provision The lack of systemic evidence particularly around the difference the MQF has made to learners, job sectors and the economy led the NCFHE, feel the need to implement an impact assessment to review the impact of the MQF since its of files to be uploaded on the database inception in 2007.
- - The publication of an information leaflet The production of 6 videos in English and in Maltese launching the database and tutorial videos for the use of the database both front-end and back-end.

Following the Cedefop’s background paper, published in 2017, on the measuring and evaluation of NQF impact, the NCFHE conducted a desktop research which resulted in an internal overview of impact studies from eight different countries to help inform their own requirements.
The - Contacting all providers to make available their overview looked into reasons for each impact study along programme files and 20 one-to-one training sessions with the methodology used and concluded with a proposal were conducted on the process of database filling.

for review of the MQF.

This proposal was further developed - The files of 72 providers were vetted and uploaded.

The Research and Policy Unit also conducted 2 training into the terms of reference for the impact assessment study.
As the terms of reference for the proposed impact assessment were quite wide, and in order to produce clear evidence-based recommendations for future action, both sessions with the IT company as well as one-to-one training quantitative and qualitative data was collected to allow for a sessions with Accreditation Unit staff members on the use of suitable in-depth analysis.

the portal.
the portal.

European Qualifications Framework National Coordination Point 2018-2020 The NCFHE is the entity responsible for the development, The Research and Policy Unit launched the MQF Impact Assessment study project in collaboration with the Scottish Credit and Qualifications Framework Partnership (SCQF).

The data collection for the impact assessment study was held in three phases: 1. an online survey, 2. focus groups, implementation and promotion of the Malta Qualifications and 3.
One-to-one interviews.

Framework (MQF).

It ensures that the MQF is used effectively and also acts as the National Coordination Point for the European Qualifications Framework (EQF) as a Phase 1: Online Survey conversion device for international qualifications.
As part of the NCFHE’s role as the EQF National Coordination Point, the Research and Policy Unit prepared and the application for funding for the work programme of the EQF National Coordination Point for the period of 2018-2020 on behalf of the NCFHE.

The application was Quantitative and qualitative data was collected by means of a comprehensive on-line survey tailored to each sector and promoted through partner organisations as well as via the NCFHE website and social media channels.
For the purposes of this phase, the following groupings for respondents were made to make analysis easier and more approved with a duration of 34 months from March 2018 consistent: – December 2020.

This was extended to March 2021 due to the Covid 19 pandemic.

The project included reviewing the impact of the MQF, the promotion of the MQF, the setting up a consultation working group on the MQF and the strengthening of cooperation with Europass and Euroguidance.
Malta Qualifications Framework Impact Assessment The Malta Qualifications Framework (MQF) is an important - - - - - - Education All Sectors Learners Parents Employers/Sectoral organisations Guidance Givers tool to put lifelong learning and adult learning opportunities - Other stakeholders Page 38 | Work Overview of MFHEA (Formerly known as NCFHE) Annual Report 2020 By the end of the online survey, which took place in Summer Annual National Colloquium 2020, a total of 981 responses from all the stakeholders’ groups were collected.
Data was analysed to give overall ‘The 2nd Decade of the Malta Qualifications Framework: facts and figures relating to impact but also examined in Reflect – Rethink – Review’ was the title of the National more depth to generate questions pertaining to certain key Colloquium planned to be held in April, 2020.

The NCFHE aspects of feedback which are being used as a basis for the was looking forward to meeting all the stakeholders and planned focus groups and interviews.
MQF end-users to start the discussions on the MQF Impact Phase 2: Focus Groups Assessment Study.

Unfortunately, as everyone knows, COVID-19 left no other choice but to postpone the event until further notice.

However, as part of the MQF Impact The next step of the review involved 8 focus groups with Study, the NCFHE needed to ensure that there is the representatives from main stakeholders which took place collaboration, support and feedback of the stakeholders.

in October 2020 .
in October 2020 .

The objective of the focus groups This is why all participants who originally registered for the discussions was aimed at maximizing discussion among National Colloquium were invited to attend a webinar on delegates facilitated by NCFHE.

Phase 3: Interviews April 7th , 2020, from the safety of their homes, to share their feedback and expertise to ensure that the impact assessment study is relevant to all end users of the MQF.
This feedback was of crucial importance to the success of The third step of the review involved 21 semi-structured the whole Impact Assessment project and contributed to interviews with key partners.

NCFHE conducted these amendments to the online survey.

interviews using an agreed set of questions.

The interviews were transcribed and shared with the SCQFP.
A hundred applicants participated while Dr Owen Bonnici, the former Minister for Education and Employment and The final report with the assessment and analysis was Dr Rose Anne Cuschieri, CEO NCFHE, welcomed the finalized in December and the full report will be presented participants.
Anastasia Pouliou, CEDEFOP Expert, Dr James in Q1 of 2021 and will provide recommendations for further Calleja, Aileen Ponton, Chief Executive at Scottish Credit and implementation, promotion and regulation of the MQF and Qualifications Framework Partnership where the keynote suggest baseline indicators for future reviews.

speakers Respondents by group/sector MQF Logo (n=670) Adult Learner Compulsory School Higher Education Post Secondary School Employment Guidance Parent/Guardian Govt.
Agency Other 35 55 208 131 88 22 17 73 41 240 200 160 120 80 40 0 40 80 120 160 200 240 A national competition was organized between May and June 2020 to create a new MQF logo.

More than 50 logos were received, a jury was set up to choose the winning logo.

An event was held on August 8th to launch the logo and thank participants.

A banner and promotional items (stickers, pens..) were created with the new logo.
EUROSTUDENT VII This survey, which occurs every three years, serves as the Maltese data source to the EUROSTUDENT project that aims to collect comparable data on the social and economic conditions of student life in different countries in Europe.
Having been conducted for the first time in the year 2000 with only 8 countries, EUROSTUDENT, has developed into one of the primary sources of data on the Work Overview of MFHEA (Formerly known as NCFHE) | Page 39 Annual Report 2020 social dimension of the European Higher Education Area.

the registration portal.


This event had to be cancelled The EUROSTUDENT National Student Survey helps policy- due to Covid-19 and was replaced by an online event to makers monitor higher education quality, skills development launch the first EVII data before being discussed at the and social inequality across Europe.

November Ministerial Conference.


The event took place on November 5th and was attended by 90 participants from In 2019 Malta participated for the fourth time since 2010 in all participating countries.

This event was organised and this data collection exercise.

The Research and Policy Unit moderated by Research and Policy Unit.
acts as the national research team for Malta responsible for implementing the national student survey, delivering The first report “The Social Dimension of Student Life in the the data to the EUROSTUDENT consortium in accordance European Higher Education Area in 2019” was launched with EUROSTUDENT conventions, and providing national during the virtual event.

interpretations of the delivered data.


The data cleaning and analysis of the data collected in 2019 took place throughout in 2020 in line with the National experts on Capacity Building for European grad- The full EUROSTUDENT report will be available in 2021. project timeline and providing the input from Malta for uate tracking the EUROSTUDENT Synopsis of Indicators comparing all participating countries, in addition to an online database.
The NCFHE, represented by the Research and Policy Unit, Furthermore, the EUROSTUDENT central coordination has been nominated as national expert for Capacity Building.

team is made up of a consortium with seven member A country level team is named in each country to be organisations; each of these partners is assigned specific responsible of the capacity building delivery and for liaising tasks.

In addition to its role as the EUROSTUDENT national with the core team and national stakeholders.
research team, the NCFHE represented by the Research and Policy Unit, plays a major role as a consortium member.

This responsibility entails the design and implementation of a concerted Europe-wide capacity building action aimed Part of the tasks for Malta in the EUROSTUDENT consortium at preparing the basis for a European Graduate Tracking is to organize the Policy Makers Conference in 2020. initiative.
The assignment involves several tasks foremost Malta was supposed to host the policy makers conference among which is an initial baseline analysis of the state of on May 13th to present a sneak preview of the data to all readiness of each country; the design of tailor-made country- policy makers.

By March 2020, the NCFHE had booked the specific strategic roadmaps for the implementation of the venue, set the agenda, confirmed speakers, and opened capacity building.
A tailor-made country specific strategic roadmap for the implementation of capacity building in the next year was also developed.

Consultations will be conducted in January 2021 to provide a picture of the situation in Malta regarding graduate tracking the delivery of the capacity building action at country-level.

There will also be a final assessment of the state of readiness of each country.

Work on this new project commenced in Q3.


Page 40 | Work Overview of MFHEA (Formerly known as NCFHE) Annual Report 2020 Communications Introduction during 2020, with reorders of envelopes, business cards and rubberstamps were necessary.

Design preparations for The mission of the NCFHE is to foster the development and MFHEA and MQRIC rebranding commenced during 2020. achievement of excellence in further and higher education in Malta.
The National Commission for Higher Education, through a structured dialogue informs the public of issues connected with sustainable development of further and higher education sectors in Malta in order to meet the needs of society.

Electronic Communications were utilised to send out invitations, festive season greetings, set meeting appointments and collect material from different departments.
By the end of 2020, the communication unit was monitoring the personal inboxes, the DPO inbox and the NCFHE generic inbox.

Throughout 2020, several physical and online internal meetings were held which included management meetings, introductory meetings, DPO meetings, meetings with staff to support EU projects and Establishment of the National Commission for other tasks, meetings related to the National Strategy Vision Higher Education, 2030 Working Group and meetings with IMU officers.
Article 64 (1) (b) of Cap 327, Education Act.

In September 2020, an executive joined the One of the primary responsibilities of the Commission is to Communications Unit.

A student joined the unit for the provide information to the public.

The Commission works summer months.

The Communications supports CSR hard to ensure that its work is portrayed accurately and is as activities organised by the entity to engage employees.

accessible as possible on its website and media platforms.
External Communications The year in review has been dominated by COVID-19 while the Commission was undergoing preparation to External Communications with stakeholders and the general become an Authority.

COVID-19 is giving us an opportunity public includes branding identity and visibility through the to move towards a more digital reach and engagement website, social media, annual reports, content creation, in communications.
During the planning and execution advertising for recruitment opportunities, online presence, of the transition from NCFHE to MFHEA, the goal of the media and public relations.

Communications Unit was to adapt fast to the sudden reality and to adopt an equitable plan for the years to come.

The campaign strategy, plan and brand awareness were structured on four main values; Equality, Ethics, Inclusion and Participation to ensure “quality education for confident futures”.
Internal Communications Internal Communications includes the facilitation of vertical and horizontal communications within the structure through • Online Presence and Social Media The main visible NCFHE portals online are the website, NCFHE Facebook page and LinkedIn page.

The Communications Unit maintained the social media presence on NCFHE platforms and shifted to the MFHEA social media at the end of the year.

The MFHEA online platforms include YouTube, Twitter and Instagram.
The change of Name on Google Maps was updated and reflected on the new a newsletter, stationery, electronic communications, internal website.

meetings, and monthly reports.

The two bi-annual Internal Newsletters disseminated with NCHFE members of staff in 2020.

The stationery items for NCFHE was maintained Webinars organised by NCFHE were edited and uploaded on YouTube account.
Work Overview of MFHEA (Formerly known as NCFHE) | Page 41 Annual Report 2020 • Website During 2020 the following updates were maintained on the NCFHE Website.
Organigram Changes in management structure updates were reflected on the website MRC database A step by step manual of procedures was created and training was provided to MRC Executive to update the database on a regular basis NOSs The new National Occupational Standards have been published QA Audits External Quality Assurance Audit Reports were published on the website Issued Communications Several communications for providers were published which included updates on Covid-19 situation, information about online learning, NOSs, QA Training, and Data Collection Updates MQRIC Notices and ENIC-NARIC projects were published Recruitment Employment Opportunities were published on the website Resources The links and publications were maintained Events Events by department including the ECVET webinar, QA Training Webinar, Research and Policy Webinar were published Homepage The homepage updates were maintained Page 42 | Work Overview of MFHEA (Formerly known as NCFHE) Annual Report 2020 The Communications unit developed a structure for the new website based on feedback received from the different departments and current digital developments.
A New Website was created with the technical support by 4sight.

The MFHEA was live on the URL www.mfhea.mt on the day of the launch of the New Authority, Friday 8th January 2021.
EQAA Training for Peer Reviewers Adverts on Sunday Times Education Pages were published on 9th, 16th and 23rd February 2020 National Advert Published on Times of Malta on 1st Colloquium March and Digital Advert for Leaderboard • Content Creation Content creation included various designs for online visibility, printed material and invitations to support content for departments events and projects, the annual report, the National Vision for FHE in Malta 2030, advertising and online presence.

and Banner.
and Banner.

The National Colloquium Registration was published on website and social media before the COVID situation.

Later in March the publicity was transformed to invite registrants to participate in the online webinar.

The campaign was online on Times of Malta in the first 2 weeks of March.
A campaign creation project was carried for advertising, social media management, tagline, branding style, print and MQF Survey Digital campaign on TVM, Times of Malta and Lovin Malta carried out in June 2020 online deliverables.

• Advertising The Communications Unit supports the services and the projects of the entity in advertising content and publications.

The following advertising material was published in 2020.
MQF Logo Digital campaign on TVM, Times of Malta Competitions and Lovin Malta carried out in May - June 2020 An Advert was published on Times of Malta in May 2020.

A Roll Up Banner with the new logo was designed and produced Employment Published on NCFHE Website, Opportunities Keepmeposted and Times of Malta and Expression of Interest MQF Case Published in July on the Financial Times Study of Malta ECVET Article including video were published on The Sunday Circle and Times of Malta.
ECVET advert specs were created for Monitor, Smartphone and Tablet view.

An article was published on Eduka in October 2020.

Malta Advertising Campaign consisted of radio Qualifications advertising on Vibe FM, Bay Radio and Database Campus FM, adverts on TVM News and Ilsienna, Times of Malta: Sunday Times Print and Online Campaign, Gwida: Publication and Social Media, Business Now Publication and Online advertising.
Feedback on Press Release and Banners in English and Maltese which were sent to MFED and DOI.
Website and Social Media: Main Banners and Links to the Database Feedback on Print Material: Leaflets (MFHEA Leaflet Design was created) Feedback on Video Content and Radio Advert Production Work Overview of MFHEA (Formerly known as NCFHE) | Page 43 Annual Report 2020 • Media and Public Relations • International Participation The NCFHE issued two public releases on the Department of The Communications Manager attended the Bologna Peer Information and Local Media in 2020.
The Communications Support Group on QA meeting in Ghent, Belgium 15- Manager participated in an interview on TVAM.

17/1/2020 • Recruitment • Local and Online Participation Vacancies are published on the website and advertised on The Communications Manager participated at the Junior Keepmeposted.

Adverts were designed and published on College Careers Expo on Thursday 23rd January and Friday Times of Malta.

In 2020 the recruitment adverts for Head 24th January.
MRC and EU Affairs, IT Manager and an Expression of Interest for Junior Lawyers were published.

The Online Course Media and Information Disorder ‘Master • Annual Reports The data for annual report year 2019 was collected, and the annual report was designed, printed, and published.

Class’ was spread over 5 weeks and completed.

In 2020 the Communications Manager worked on the Strategy WG – FHE 2030 with the NCFHE Working group and participated in various training and working sessions.
Project Support and Participation • Webinars The Communications Unit supported the following projects In year 2020 the Communications Unit attended the in the year 2020. following webinars: Single Digital Google analytics Links for MRC and Gateway MQRIC created and uploaded, Your Europe logo and Feedback User Tools uploaded on the website, Signature email for MRC Email created.

Digital and print adverts were created and published.

This was transformed to a Webinar due to Covid-19.


National Colloquium Training for Peer and Student Online Registration and Certificates were created.

This training was Reviewers for first scheduled for March 2020 and External Quality rescheduled due to Covid-19.
Assurance Audits MQF Logo Competition and MQF Impact Assessment Adverts were designed and published (Print and Digital) VIDEO for SEQA_ Script and Production with QA Unit, ESG Project Video was sent to ENQA Team MQD Promotional An advertising campaign was Campaign planned with the Research and Policy Unit and executed - ICT use in distance learning at tertiary level, webinar organised by UNESCO - ‘Il-Fondazzjoni ta’ Malta għall-Ġid tas-Soċjeta - Il- pandemija tal-COVID-19 u kif l-imxija tagħha impattat il-benesseru tan-nies f’Malta.’ - Webinar on the European Semester’s 2020 Country- Specific Recommendations for Malta and EIF live webinar - Skills & Education Guarantee Pilot The Communications Manager delivered a Live Stream Presentation during a Webinar with ESU – The Admission Process in Malta Presentation.
Other Webinars throughout 2020 included the 10 years of Slovenian Qualifications Framework Conference, Study Visit with Polish Delegation, Webinar on Educational measures to prevent risks associated with child self-generated sexual images/videos, the MRC Annual Conference and webinars related to the SDG.

Feedback and Support The role of the Communications Manager includes providing feedback and support on speeches for events, study visits, and training.
The communication unit scheduled meetings with staff members and management for the Internal Audit between 17th – 20th February 2020.

Page 44 | Work Overview of MFHEA (Formerly known as NCFHE) Annual Report 2020 A leaflet was designed to reflect the Results of Survey on MFHEA Launch Preparations the Implications of Covid-19 on Further and Higher Education Institutions in Malta following a research study by the The preparations for the New Authority included the logistics Research Unit.
(Venue, Catering, Transport, Audio, Set Up), the organisation Data Protection of the event within the COVID-19 situation measures, invitations, agenda, copywriting and media coordination, promotional material and photography.

The new website www.mfhea.mt was launched on the same day.

The Communications Manager upkeeps the Data Protection within the entity.

In 2020 the identification processes and inventory sheets were maintained with the departments.
The • Print and digital rebranding documents were reviewed and a shared folder containing monthly newsletters from the Data Protection Unit, as well as GDPR Notes, Policies and legal texts, was maintained and shared with respective members of staff.

In preparation for the launch of the new Authority in January 2021, the Communications Unit worked with designers and copywriters to create a campaign for the new Authority.
Rebranding phase included the MFHEA new logo, MQRIC new logo, stationery items, templates, and digital visibility.

The Communications Unit worked on new advertising material.

Work Overview of MFHEA (Formerly known as NCFHE) | Page 45 Annual Report 2020 Legal From the legal aspect, 2021 will be an interesting year for the Malta Further and Higher Education Authority (MFHEA).

By means of Legal Notice 32 of 2021 the Minister for Education brought into force Act II of 2020.
As from the first of January, what was the National Commission Further and Higher Education, more commonly known as NCFHE has become an Authority regulated by Chapter 607 of the laws of Malta.

This, however, does not mean that whatever has been achieved by the NCFHE has now been discarded and that the sun started shining as of from 1st January 2021.

Article 3(1) of Cap 607 clearly states that the MFHEA will take all assets and liabilities as well as all rights and obligations of the NCFHE.
This means that there is continuity which is very much needed in the sector.

The transition has been pretty smooth, as it was meant to be.

The sector continued to operate as usual with no major hicups.

What does it mean in real terms to have an authority instead of a Commission?

A very important aspect of such a move is that as a regulator, the MFHEA has made another step towards more independence.

This might sound a trivial point, but as a regulatory body it is very important and essential.
It is also another important step at the Authority’s process in becoming a fully fledged member of the European Association for Quality Assurance in Higher Education known as ENQA.

This will make Malta more attractive for professional educational institutions to invest and establish their base in Malta.

It also signifies the will to have a more effective regulator in this sector.
Effective does not mean to stifle operators but to create a better environment where the operators themselves, students and prospective students can advance and grow.

The Legal Unit with the MFHEA in collaboration with other units has already embarked on the next legal step, that of updating our subsidiary legislation to complement what has been achieved so far.
This is among other internal legal initiatives which are being pushed forward in order to improve the Authority’s effectivness for the sake of the Further and Higher Education sector in Malta.

Page 46 | Work Overview of MFHEA (Formerly known as NCFHE) Annual Report 2020 SECTION 4 Finance and Administration Corporate Services The Corporate Unit within the National Commission for section also pushed forward for SEPA compliance.
Further and Higher Education consists of nine employees Payroll and covers the areas of Finance, Human Resources and Administration.

The Administration also includes the Throughout 2020 the Corporate Unit was also responsible manning and services required at the Reception Area.

The for the administration of the NCFHE payroll making using Unit is headed by the Senior Manager.

of the Government’s DAKAR system.

As at the end of 2020 Introduction there were 42 staff members on the Commission’s payroll.
Seven MCAST/Secondary School Leaving summer students were also inserted on a temporary basis.

The Corporate Unit was primarily responsible for the administration of NCFHE finances as well as managing A number of staff members from this unit attended a number funds from various EU projects.

These projects included the of training sessions on the Payroll and on HR.
Erasmus+ Project, EQF-NCP project, the Database Project, Eurostudent VII, ECVET Project, SEQA-ESG, BWSE FORward, Recruitment MICROBOL, STACQ and the Toolkit 3 Refugee Recognition Project.

The total revenue for 2020 from Government funds The Corporate Unit ensured that all new recruits required as was €950,000.

Income generated from the Licensing and per the HR Plan 2020 were recruited in as short a time span Accreditation Unit amounted to €250,852, income from the as possible.
Vacancies which resulted following terminations Quality Assurance Unit amounted to €20,987 and income were also filled in.

All vacancies which were non-Managerial from MQRIC services amounted to €176,842.

The Corporate grades were first issued internally and a number of these Unit also managed the procurement of goods and services, were in fact filled in by internal staff members.
from the initial stage of the raising of commitments up to the settlement of invoices within a reasonable period of During 2020 there were a number of vacancies which were time through the SAGE Accounting system.

This process is filled in by Internal Staff.

finalised with the filing of fiscal receipts for the goods and services procured.
Compliance with VAT Financial statements including monthly re-assessment of The Corporate Unit ensured that all evaluation services budgetary estimates, monthly cash flow projections and and services related to research submitted a VAT receipt quarterly financial statements on accruals basis were also following the receipt of their payment.

compiled.

Financial Reporting Procurement Policy During 2020 monthly and quarterly FDRS Financial NCFHE procurement policy.
This provides guidelines and Reports were submitted.

These reports assisted in a tighter procedures to be used by NCFHE staff for the procurement budgetary control.

Regular reconciliations were also carried of all goods, services and works.

The underlying principle out for the daily transactions posted into SAGE.
The of this policy is that procurement is carried out in line with Quarterly Management Accounts were also presented to the the provisions of the Public Procurement Regulations In 2020 the Corporate Unit continued to adhere to the NCFHE Board.

Payments 2010 (LN 296 of 2010).

Requests for the procurement of goods or services need to be approved by the respective line-managers before being passed on to the Corporate Unit.
In 2020 over 250 Purchase Orders were issued to Throughout 2020 the NCFHE’s Finance and Administration procure supplies, services or works.

The procurement policy Section processed over 3,000 transactions.

These covered facilitated the monitoring of the goods produced so that various services rendered to NCFHE such as the evaluation cost-cutting exercises could be introduced.
services of national qualifications and other professional services, as well as the procurement of services and Throughout 2020 the Corporate Unit also allocated each supplies for the daily function of the NCFHE’s offices and expense to a specific unit within NCFHE.

This enabled the operations.

A number of these transactions were also forecasting of expenses for 2021. related to the various international projects such as the EQF- NCP project and the Erasmus project.
Payments were made In 2020 the cleaning tender was issued and evaluated.

in line with the procurement and financial procedures.

This was necessary due to the increased in cleaning hours required in the new premises.

In 2020 efforts were made so that evaluators submitted their invoices in a timely manner so as to avoid a back-log of Staff members from the corporate unit also attended training payments.
The Corporate Unit maintained a strict adherence to the 30-days stipulated in the Late Payments Directive.

The on procurement.

Page 48 | Finance and Administration Annual Report 2020 Financial Audit 2019 A number of changes were also caried out to enable staff to The work for the Financial Audit commenced in January carry over additional leave in view of the Covid Pandemic.

2020 and the Audit was completed successfully by May Staff were also informed about HR changes mentioned in 2020.
It was then presented to the NCFHE Board for the Government’s Annual Budget.

approval.

The Audit of the Financial Statements included the Statement of Financial Position as at 31 December 2019, Parliamentary Questions and EU Statistical Information the Statement of Profit or Loss and Other Comprehensive Income, the Statement of Accumulated Fund and the During 2020 numerous Parliamentary Requests for Statement of Cash Flows for the end of 2019.

This section Information were submitted.


The section also compiled and was assisted in this work by the external Accountant.

submitted the EU statistical data required.

Health and Safety / Covid 19 Measures The section was also responsible for information required for the Fiscal Consolidation exercise including HR data The Corporate Unit was also responsible for the Health concerning sick-leave data, disciplinary returns, consultants and Safety of the employees.
This area was challenging in and overtime.

2020 due to the Covid-19 Pandemic.

As of 13 March 2020 all employees were informed to telework for a number of Generic E-Mail Address months.

Once employees returned to the offices they were placed on a roster to avoid having too many employees in During 2020 the Finance and Administration Section one office and to ensure that the necessary social distance maintained the generic address admin.ncfhe@gov.mt.

This was being maintained.


was mainly used for Calls of Quotations for the procurement of goods and services as well as recruitment.

EU Projects As in the previous years, the new financial system ensured that direct costs related to EU projects were correctly accounted for and that EU reimbursements related to such projects were allocated to the correct project.

This achievement greatly facilitated the project reports which are needed to close off the projects.
Separate project files were set up for each project.

Project files of projects which had been closed off were archived.

The NCFHE Board were presented with a quarterly report on the current status of the projects.

A number of purchases were carried out to ensure the Health and Safety of employees, these included the purchase of aprons and disposable gloves for cleaning personnel as well as disposable masks, gloves and sanitisers for office staff.
Apart from the regular cleaning of the offices, sanitisation was also included on a monthly basis and all offices including all common areas were sanitised.

Employees were also provided with cleaning products such as disinfecting sprays and wipes to clean their work area.

The NCFHE was also faced with a number of cases of staff members who were either tested positive or were placed in quarantine due to having been in contact with Covid Cases.
The HR unit sent out a number of memos to inform staff on new policies being implemented in view of this.

It also sent out a Health and Safety policy particularly targeted at measures taken due to the Covid pandemic.

All staff members were asked to take their laptops home with them on a daily basis and all staff members who travelled abroad were asked to self-isolated for a period of two weeks and to provide Swab tests before returning to the office.
All personnel including staff members had their temperatures checked each time they entered the building and when the use of masks was made mandatory reminders were also sent out to staff members.

The HR unit also installed Perspex at the reception area as well as various signage and stickers in the offices and the communal parts.

Staff who were in quarantine were also given the HR support they required.
The Corporate Unit also ensured that the Travel Insurance Policy was kept updated in order to provide adequate coverage for all staff members who travelled on duty.

Travel was stopped in March 2020.

Finance and Administration | Page 49 Annual Report 2020 Cost Cutting Achievements Electronic Payments E-Invoices As in previous years, the Corporate Unit drove to ensure All invoices sent in 2020 for the collection of revenue for that when possible payments were paid electronically.
This the processing of the Licensing and Accreditation fees was cuts down on postage costs and ensures that invoices carried out electronically.

They were also followed up closely adhere to the Payment Period.

Collection of revenue for the to ensure that revenue was collected in a timely manner.

services of Licensing and Accreditation is primarily carried Once revenue was collected the receipt was also sent out electronically via bank transfer.

A large number of the electronically.


Hard copies of all documents were kept in the evaluators of the home-grown qualifications are also paid Financial files.

electronically.

Travel Expenses Whenever possible payments to Bank accounts which were non-BOV accounts were paid by cheque to avoid paying Another cost cutting achievement was to ensure that all extra Bank charges.

Bulk Payments purchases for air-travel were carried out immediately upon receipt of the clearance form.
This ensured that ticket prices were purchased at cheaper rates.

Whenever possible multiple payments to the same supplier Recruitment were processed together.

This cut down on bank charges and increased efficiency.

Postage The Corporate Unit prioritised on the recruitment process so that the new Head Count for 2020 as well as recruitment required due to terminations was carried out as efficiently as possible.
Staff were encouraged to make use of the pre-paid envelopes as much as possible as this cut down on costs.

This section also utilised the bulk postage system whenever possible.

Postage stamps were purchased and retained within the Corporate Unit and handed out in small amounts if and when required.

This was especially necessary due to the increase in the postage rates in 2020.
Office Equipment The leased photocopiers were monitored on a monthly basis by means of a monthly report to oversee costs of usage.

Wherever possible staff were reminded to refrain from using the coloured network printer especially for internal usage.

Staff were also encouraged to use these printers rather than any desk printers available for large print jobs.
Page 50 | Finance and Administration Annual Report 2020 Information Technology (IT) Two specific events have had a notable impact on the Thanks to solid security and other state-of-the-art MFHEA business agenda during the year under review, infrastructure provided by MITA, we are now able to host namely the dawning of the COVID-19 pandemic era early in all our key data within a cloud environment, thereby giving 2020 and the latest stage of the organisation’s evolution, us instant accessibility to our information irrespective leading to our becoming an Authority at the beginning of of our physical location.
Staff have embraced video- 2021.

The coincidence of both events created a need and conferencing technologies to the extent that MFHEA now gave us the opportunity to embrace 21st century information organises very high-quality virtual events on a regular basis.
technology, with the benefits, shifts in cultural mindset and Understandably, this necessitated an extensive overhaul the myriad of challenges that said technology was bound to of the computing resources at our staff’s disposal, moving bring with it.

towards equipment well-geared to providing the quality, continuity and speed of access that modern technology As with all other organisations, the phenomenon of demands.
working in a pandemic-dominated environment brought with it a series of logistical and cultural challenges which In keeping with our status as the leading Authority in necessitated a rapid shift in our approach to maintaining Further & Higher Education and in acknowledgement functional, effective and consistent interaction between staff, to the transformational impact technology is having on customers and stakeholders.
Meetings suddenly became the educational environment across the board, we are virtual while social distancing and COVID-19 mitigation continuing to explore new functional boundaries such as necessitated a move to mainstream remote working.

the use of e-signatures and automated business process The IT strategy within MFHEA is largely focused on largely irrelevant in the pursuit of effective productivity.
flows, to celebrate the fact that physical location is becoming promulgating the enabling nature of IT amongst all our staff.

At MFHEA, technology is a resource at our fingertips that is making us more proactive, more responsive and more effective at doing the right things, the right way and as rapidly as possible.
For this to happen, the IT function within MFHEA shields our employees from the complexities that technology carries with it, while actively encouraging staff to make the most of the liberating functionality of modern-day equipment and systems.
Finance and Administration | Page 51 Annual Report 2020 Financial Statements Page 52 | Finance and Administration Annual Report 2020 Finance and Administration | Page 53 Annual Report 2020 Page 54 | Finance and Administration Annual Report 2020 Finance and Administration | Page 55 Annual Report 2020 Page 56 | Finance and Administration Annual Report 2020 Finance and Administration | Page 57 Annual Report 2020 Page 58 | Finance and Administration Annual Report 2020 Finance and Administration | Page 59 Annual Report 2020 Page 60 | Finance and Administration Annual Report 2020 Finance and Administration | Page 61 Annual Report 2020 Page 62 | Finance and Administration Annual Report 2020 Finance and Administration | Page 63 Annual Report 2020 Page 64 | Finance and Administration Annual Report 2020 Finance and Administration | Page 65 Annual Report 2020 Page 66 | Finance and Administration Annual Report 2020 Finance and Administration | Page 67 Annual Report 2020 Page 68 | Finance and Administration Annual Report 2020 Finance and Administration | Page 69 Annual Report 2020 Page 70 | Finance and Administration Annual Report 2020 Finance and Administration | Page 71 Annual Report 2020 Page 72 | Finance and Administration Annual Report 2020 Finance and Administration | Page 73 Annual Report 2020 Page 74 | Finance and Administration Annual Report 2020 Finance and Administration | Page 75 Annual Report 2020 Page 76 | Finance and Administration Annual Report 2020 Finance and Administration | Page 77 Annual Report 2020 ANNUAL REPORT 2020 For the period between January 2020 – December 2020 Malta Further and Higher Education Authority Triq J Abela Scolaro Hamrun, HMR1304, Malta MFHEA formerly known as NCFHE info@mfhea.mt www.mfhea.mt ANNUAL REPORT 2020 For the period between January 2020 – December 2020 Malta Further and Higher Education Authority Triq J Abela Scolaro Hamrun, HMR1304, Malta MFHEA formerly known as NCFHE info@mfhea.mt www.mfhea.mt