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IT-TNAX-IL LEĠIŻLATURA P.L.

7524 Dokument imqiegħed fuq il-Mejda tal-Kamra tad-Deputati fis-Seduta Numru 416 tat-12 ta’ Lulju 2016 mill-Ministru għall-Ġustizzja, Kultura u Gvern Lokali, il-Ministru għall-Edukazzjoni u x-Xogħol.
_______________________________ Raymond Scicluna Skrivan tal-Kamra Annual Report NATIONAL COMMISSION FOR FURTHER AND HIGHER EDUCATION 2015 ISBN: 978-99957-22-18-0 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 National Commission for Further and Higher Education followed by the date of publication of the report.
© National Commission for Further and Higher Education, June 2016 Contents List of Abbreviations Board Members Staff Members Message from Hon Evarist Bartolo, Minister for Education & Employment Message from Mr Martin Scicluna, Chairman, NCFHE Message from Ms Edel Cassar, Chief Executive Officer, NCFHE Mission Statement & Responsibilities Membership of International Networks Referencing Report for Malta Strategic Oversight by the Board Quality Assurance Licensing and Accreditation Mutual Recognition Coordinator Validation of Informal and Non-Formal Learning Research and Policy Malta Qualifications Recognition Information Centre Communications Administration & Finance Capacity Building & Staff Development List of Tables Table 1 Table 2 Table 3 Table 4 Table 5 Table 6 Table 7 Table 8 Table 9 Provider applications processed in 2015 Total number of accredited providers as at end of 2015 Administrative fee structure for provider accreditation Breakdown of applications for course accreditation received during 2015 Total accredited courses as at end of 2015 Fee structure according to ECTS/ECVET and MQF Level Qualifications evaluated, 2015 Qualifications by MQF Level Vacant positions filled in 2015 List of Figures Figure 1 Figure 2 Figure 3 Figure 4 Qualifications received and completed, 2015 Qualifications evaluated by nationality of applicant, 2015 Incremental chart of nationality submitting qualifications Maltese qualifications received, 2012- List of Abbreviations BICC Cedefop ECVET ENIC-NARIC ENQA EPC EQAVET EQF ESF ETC FDRS IMU IQA ITS MCAST MEDE MITA MQF MQRIC NCFHE NCP Net-QAPE NOS NQF NSO P.E.
Numbers PQD QA QAC SSC&P SFD TQF UOM VET VINFL Building Industry Consultative Council European Centre for the Development of Vocational Training European Credit system for Vocational Education and Training ENIC: European Network of Information Centres in the European Region NARIC: National Academic Recognition Information Centres in the European Union European Association for Quality Assurance European Professional Card European Quality Assurance in Vocational Education and Training European Qualifications Framework European Social Fund Employment and Training Corporation Financial Data Reporting System Information Management Unit Internal Quality Assurance Institute of Tourism Studies Malta College of Arts, Science and Technology Ministry for Education & Employment Malta Information Technology Agency Malta Qualifications Framework Malta Qualifications Recognition Information Centre National Commission for Further & Higher Education National Coordination Point Network for Quality Assurance Professionals in Further and Higher Education National Occupation Standards National Qualifications Framework National Statistics Office Payer/Employer Number Recognition of Professional Qualifications Quality Assurance Quality Assurance Committee Secondary School Certificate and Profile Structural Fund Database Transnational Qualifications Framework of the Small States of the Commonwealth University of Malta Vocational Education and Training Validation of Informal and Non-Formal Learning ANNUAL REPORT 2015 5 Board Members Chairman Mr Martin Scicluna Deputy Chairman Mr Alexander Manchè Member Mr Laurence Ancilleri Member Mr Charles Caruana Carabez Member Dr Jennifer Casingena Harper Member Dr Cory Greenland Member Mr Ian Mifsud Professor John P. Portelli Member Professor Tanya Sammut Bonnici Member Mr Benny Borg Bonello Secretary Staff Members Ms Edel Cassar Mr Kenneth Camilleri Mr Alexander Spiteri Dr Stefan Sant Ms Mary Anne Ciappara Ms Valerie Attard Dr Simon Cachia Mr Benny Borg Bonello Ms Amanda Mizzi Ms Christine Scholz
 Ms Angelique Grech Ms Shirley Micallef Mr David Bonello Mr Andrew Debattista Ms Graziella Grech Mr Adam Liwak Dr Maria Magro Scerri Dr Danielle Mallia Mr Neil Mallia Ms Madonna Maroun Ms Louisa Pace Kiomall Ms Marilyn Sultana Ms Anne Marie Vincenti Dr Manuel Vella Mr Jon Vercellono Ms Annalise Borg Ms Mary Rose Mifsud Ms Kathleen Darmanin Mr Alan Cauchi Ms Pauline Demanuele Mr Robert Duca Mr Joseph Buhagiar Mr Emmanuele Zahra Chief Executive Officer Head, Accreditation Head, Quality Assurance, Licensing & Accreditation (until September 2015) Head, MQRIC Head, MQRIC (until May 2015) Senior Manager, Finance & Administration Mutual Recognition Coordinator (until February 2015) Manager, Special Initiatives Manager, Communications Manager, Research & Policy Recommendations Senior Officer Senior Officer Officer Officer Officer Officer Officer Officer Officer Officer Officer (until February 2015) Officer Officer (until September 2015) Officer Executive Executive Executive Executive Executive Executive Clerical Officer Office Attendant Consultant ANNUAL REPORT 2015 7 Message from Hon Evarist Bartolo MINISTER FOR EDUCATION & EMPLOYMENT Further and Higher education has become increasingly more important over the past couple of years.
Our students and citizens are recognising the need to continue furthering their knowledge in both VET and academic sectors, both locally and internationally.

This positive outlook improves employability and the standard of living.

In view of this, we need to provide more educational opportunities of high quality where students can reach their learning prospects.

If we encourage greater choice between Further and Higher education institutions in Malta, this stimulates a rise in overall educational.
Throughout 2015, the National Commission for Further and Higher Education persisted in ensuring its strong regulatory stand of having quality Further and Higher education in Malta.

The Commission’s role is very important for this sector.

Having such an independent regulator assists towards having objective judgements carried out with the necessary due diligence, for the benefit of students.

The Commission’s role however does not stop once a licence for a Further or Higher education institution is issued.
It continues offering its support and whilst ensuring that the necessary standards are maintained.

Thanks to launch of the National Quality Assurance Framework this year, the Commission has created the necessary structures to safeguard the quality of these standards.

The National Commission for Further and Higher Education’s role creates a sense of assurance that the education we are delivering is solid and of value, not just nationally, but also overseas.
Whilst commending the work carried out by the Commission throughout 2015, I trust that the same level of excellence shall continue prevailing throughout the coming years.

ANNUAL REPORT 2015 8 Message from Mr Martin Scicluna CHAIRMAN, NCFHE The work of the Commission in 2015 was marked by many achievements in its regulatory role.
Among the most prominent was the publication of Malta’s National Quality Assurance Framework, – the first such framework in Europe to combine quality assurance for vocational and tertiary education.

Moreover, work progressed on several other fronts designed to put in place the most efficient, effective and up-to-date systems to advance Further and Higher education in Malta.
The introduction of the first-ever quality assurance audits of three major educational institutions –the University of Malta; the Malta College of Arts, Science and Technology; and the Institute of Tourism Studies – were successfully completed.

These demonstrated the Commission’s commitment to constructive and independent oversight of standards in our education, which will be expanded to include other institutions in the years ahead.
The streamlining of accreditation processes, the launch of the first four Sector Skills units, quicker handling of applications by the Malta Qualifications Recognition Information Centre, the extensive referencing consultation process and the range of studies launched and policies published are a huge credit to the output and commitment of all members of the Commission staff over the past twelve months.
As a Commission, we are not only independent under the Education Act, but also committed and determined to carry on our work so far as possible with quiet discretion, focussed solely on an objective assessment of the facts as presented to us, based on The judgement which will be made by my Board shortly on the accreditation of the American University of Malta will be reached independently, advised by the Panel of Experts and the Quality Assurance Committee, after a most rigorous due process.
There will be no lowering of standards.

The methodology being adopted under our watch in this field and others will be absolutely transparent, objective and within the rules set down under the law.

ANNUAL REPORT 2015 9 Message from Ms Edel Cassar CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER, NCFHE The year under review proved to be as challenging as the previous one for the Commission.
The restructuring process which was started in the previous year, continued with the splitting up of the Accreditation and Quality Assurance Unit into two separate functions.

This was done to ensure full dedication towards the two scenarios, whilst ensuring constant communication and collaboration between such units to ensure a holistic service is provided.
Thanks to an Erasmus+ funded project - Promoting excellence in service provision at the NCFHE – a number of NCFHE employees benefitted from training programmes and job shadowing experience overseas.

Such capacity building exercises assisted in improving employees’ knowledge in their areas of specialisation and also learn from other foreign entities’ best practices.
Another important milestone for the Commission was the launch of the National Quality Assurance Framework for Further and Higher Education in Malta.

This document shall serve as guidance to educational institutions that embark on the processes of Internal and External Quality Assurance.

It also further fulfils the entity’s role as a competent authority for licensing, accreditation and quality assurance of Further and Higher education in Malta.
This Framework was one of the main deliverables of ESF Project 1.227 ‘Making Quality Visible’, which was concluded in 2015.

The year under review was also characterised by an extensive consultation process organised by the NCFHE, to update the Referencing Report for Malta, funded by the NCP-EQF project.

This is Malta’s national document that references the Malta Qualifications Framework (MQF) to the European Qualifications Framework (EQF).
It describes the MQF and the different levels of qualifications in Malta and the referencing process to the Qualifications Framework of the European Higher Education Area (QF/EHEA) and the Transnational Qualifications Framework of the Small States of the Commonwealth (TQF).

It is a very important tool that allows the recognition of national qualifications at a European level and the recognition of foreign qualifications from the European Union and beyond.
The Referencing Report was finalised in December 2015, and launched during the first months of 2016.

I would like to thank and congratulate all NCFHE employees for their dedication and professionalism shown throughout this year and show my appreciation towards the strong network of stakeholders who provide feedback and support to our entity.
ANNUAL REPORT 2015 10 Mission Statement & Responsibilities The NCFHE is responsible for • formulating the guiding principles for Further and Higher education, including vocational education and training, and proposing a clear vision and sustainable strategic targets and objectives for Further and Higher education; research, analysis, review for advising the Government on the development, planning and governance of Further and Higher education policy; • • acting as the competent authority for licensing, accreditation, quality assurance and recognition of providers and programmes as provided by Act 13 of 2012 or any regulation made under the Act; • promoting and facilitating access to lifelong learning and transfer and progression in lifelong learning; its recognition • promoting and fostering the provision of vocational education and training in Malta and and abroad; • performing the Qualifications Recognition Information Centre under the Mutual Recognition of Qualifications Act; functions of the • promoting and maintaining the Malta Qualifications Framework and establishing the policies and criteria on which the Framework shall be based; • approving and ensuring the publication of national standards of knowledge, skills, competences and attitudes for each employment sector; • • validating informal and non-formal learning and classifying such validation at a level of the Malta Qualifications Framework; recommending financing policies and alternative financing systems of Further and Higher education, while addressing the issue of the adequacy of this financing and of accountability in the provision of Further and Higher education; • proposing policies on sustainable options, equity in access and mobility for students in Further and Higher education, financial support, services of information and guidance about pathway development for students; recommending policies related to intellectual innovation, research, property, and knowledge transfer.
• ANNUAL REPORT 2015 Our mission is to foster the development and achievement of excellence in Further and Higher education in Malta through research, effective licensing, accreditation, quality assurance and recognition of qualifications established under the Malta Qualifications Framework.

Membership of International Networks ENQA In June 2014, the NCFHE was accepted as Affiliate Member of ENQA, the European Association for Quality Assurance in Higher Education.
This prestigious recognition is the first step to an expected full membership in 2017, following a rigorous external evaluation process.

In April 2015, an NCFHE representative attended the ENQA Members Forum during which an update was provided on the outcomes of the fourth ENQA ‘Quality Procedures in European Higher Education’ Project and the revision of the review process.
ENIC-NARIC Network The Malta Qualifications Recognition Information Centre (MQRIC) forms part of the European Network of Information Centres in the European Region (ENIC) and the National Recognition Information Centres in the European Union (NARIC).

The ENIC Network is comprised of the national information centres of the Parties to Lisbon Recognition Convention.

The aim is to provide information on the recognition of foreign diplomas, degrees and other qualifications.
The NARIC network aims at improving academic recognition of diplomas and periods of study in the Member States of the European Union (EU) countries, the European Economic Area (EEA) countries and Turkey.

In 2015, a representative from MQRIC attended the annual ENIC-NARIC Meeting, which was held between the 7th and 9th June in Bergenz, Austria.

13 European Qualifications Framework – Advisory Group Throughout the years, NCFHE has been a regular contributor to the European forum regulating the EQF.
During 2015, the NCFHE CEO attended 4 meetings with active input on various fronts.

During the last meeting held in December 2015, the CEO also presented the 4th edition of the Referencing Report for Malta, which was approved accordingly.

European Training Foundation Governing Board The NCFHE representative on the Governing Board of this European agency has participated in a Board meetings held in June as well as contributed to the working group reviewing the Budget Plan for 2016.
The Governing Board discussed how the policies are implemented and how the policy solutions deliver the best possible results.

The issues addressed where new trends in skills and Vocational Education and Training (VET) for development, skills and VET governance and monitoring skills and VET policies.
European Working Group - Modernisation of Higher Education The NCFHE is the Maltese representative in this working group, which supports Member State reforms to maximise the potential of Higher education systems to provide high quality Higher education, increasing Europe’s innovation capacity and contribution to growth and jobs.

In February 2015, this group discussed promoting employability in higher education, comparibility of tracer studies and forecasting mechanisms.
European Meetings of the Director Generals of Higher Education NCFHE is also the Maltese representative on the network which brings together all the Director Generals of Higher Education in Europe.

The group aims to discuss higher level strategic direction in order to promote, streamline, and discuss the quality of the provision of Higher Education.
During 2015, this group explored the role of Higher education in the changing labour markets, the importance of coordinating polices of Higher education and economic development, review of the European Modernisation Agenda of Higher Education, country reflections on promoting employability in Higher education and peer reviewing around specific employability issues identified.
ANNUAL REPORT 2015 Referencing Report for Malta During 2015 an extensive consultation process to facilitate the updating of the Referencing Report for Malta was undertaken.

Such coordination was led by the Communications Manager, and took place between March and October 2015, following a call for service issued for the services of a Researcher.
A Steering Committee Group, made up of representatives from MCAST, ITS, UOM, MEDE, NCFHE Board, ETC and NCFHE, was set-up in order to discuss the changes required in the updated version of the Referencing Report.

This group met 5 times and is expected to keep on holding regular meetings in 2016.

3 focus groups were also held in order to stimulate further discussion on specific topics related to the referencing of qualifications.
The first draft of the Referencing Report was presented during a Consultative Seminar held on the 29th July 2015.

The Researcher in charge of drafting the report gave an overview of the consultations that took place and explained the main changes being proposed.

The 53 attendees participated in various workshops with a pre-assigned theme, where they could further discuss the changes proposed and forward their feedback at the end of the seminar.
Another two subject-specific seminars were held on the 22nd September 2015.

15 One of the seminars tackled Accreditation of Work-Based Learning, whilst the other one dealt with Referencing the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR).

These two very specific topics required further discussions between stakeholders in the field before any concrete changes were made to the Referencing Report.

54 participants were present.


Following these seminars, the draft report was disseminated through the NCFHE website and via email.

There were two rounds of consultations via email and all feedback was presented to the CEO and Researcher for further action.

Moreover, constant contact was maintained with five international experts who gave their professional advice on the proposed drafts.
These were Dr Mike Coles, International consultant in Qualifications systems and the UK representative on the EQF AG; Mr John Hart, International Consultant on Education and Training Policy; Mr Vincent McBride, Senior Specialist in VET Policies and Systems; Dr Jim Murray, Director Of Academic Affairs, Institute of Technology Ireland; and Mr Lemalu L. Sanerivi, Secretariat of the Pacific Board for Educational Assessment.
The third and final draft was presented by the CEO to the European Commission on the 3rd December, with minor feedback presented.

In view of this, the final version of the Referencing Report for Malta was launched in February 2016.
ANNUAL REPORT 2015 16 NCFHE BOARD 1 Strategic Oversight by the Board Introduction The year under review can be described as a year of consolidation of what has been achieved in the previous one and expansion of services while developing the structure of the organisation to be more efficient and effective.
The Board gave special attention to enhancing the transparency and credibility of the NCFHE by ensuring that the processes implemented, especially in accreditation, would be rigorous, independent, objective, without prejudice and impartial to safeguard the high quality of the education provided in Malta by strengthening the pluralism of the Maltese education system.

The Board also increased the visibility of the NCFHE by accentuating the organisation’s corporate image.
During 2015, the Board met eleven times to simultaneously give direction to the NCFHE and to ensure that the organisation was operating at an optimal level to provide the services resulting from its remit.

1 IN ABSENTIA: MR IAN MIFSUD, DR JENNIFER CASINGENA HARPER ANNUAL REPORT 2015 17 Achievements Annual Work Plan Structure of the NCFHE The Board approved the Work Plan for 2015 which included the work activity of each unit within the NCFHE reflected in strategic targets.
It also noted with satisfaction that the vast majority of the targets set for 2014 were achieved.

Throughout the year, the Board was kept informed of the progress being made and at length discussed the operation of different units within the NCFHE.

Following the Quality Assurance Committee Annual Report’s approval, the Board discussed the administrative issues raised in the Report especially due to the increasing workload.
During the meeting held in May, the Board gave its approval for the Quality Assurance unit to be split into two units – the Quality Assurance unit and the Accreditation unit – in order to ensure further specialisation and effectiveness.

NCFHE Accounts Quality Assurance Committee At the beginning of the year, the Budget Estimates for 2015 were approved.

During the meeting held in June, discussions were held on the Audited Accounts for 2014.
It was noted that the Auditors’ Management letter showed a clean report and all the recommendations listed in the Audited Accounts for 2013 were implemented.

Every quarter, the Board discussed and approved the Quarterly Management Accounts for the previous quarter.

Throughout the year, the Board was kept informed of the activities of the Quality Assurance Committee (QAC).

In January, this Committee was strengthened by including other members, namely Dr Alex Grech, Dr Alex Rizzo and Prof. Chris Haslam.
In May, the Board extended the QAC’s role to include responsibility for Level 6 accreditation parameters while emphasising its involvement on issues linked to university licenses.

NCFHE Corporate Image The Board discussed and approved the NCFHE corporate image which was based on the previously approved Mission Statement of the NCFHE.

It was decided that the corporate image should present the whole entity rather than focusing on individual units.
The Board was constantly informed on the information campaign which was launched in 2015 to communicate to the public the work done by the NCFHE.

Guidelines – Interpretation of Legal Notice 150/2015 In order to ensure the integrity of the processes implemented by NCFHE in its accreditation function, the Board approved a set of guidelines to give a clear interpretation of Legal Notice 150/2015.
This interpretation aimed to ensure the quality of university license holders providing an educational service in Malta.

ANNUAL REPORT 2015 18 External Quality Assurance Mutual Recognition of Professions As part of this year’s work plan, the Board approved the External Quality Assurance of the University of Malta; Malta College for Arts, Science and Technology; and the Institute for Tourism Studies.
These were the first three external quality assurance exercises which were being held for Maltese educational service providers.

Though this was a pilot exercise, it was a fully-fledged quality assurance process.

regarding Discussions were held the work that needed to be done with the Designated Authorities to bring into force the amendments to the Mutual Recognition of Professions Directive, especially the introduction of the European Professional Card.
The Board, through the Education Division, facilitated the coordination needed between the NCFHE and the Designated Authorities.

2013 and 2014 Statistics the Board approved the In March, publication of the 2013 and 2014 Further and Higher education statistics, prepared by the Research and Policy Unit, which explored how the trends resulting from these statistics could serve as a basis to further develop its policies to enhance the education system in Malta.
Pluralism of Tertiary Education The Board approved a Position Paper on Pluralism of Tertiary Education.

This position paper identified three overriding factors to increase pluralism.

These were: • the establishment of a level playing field through a root and branch review of student funding; • flexibility of role and contract of employment of academic professionals in publically funded institutions; and the need to develop structures which encouraged through greater internationalisation and choice.
competition • The Board organised a Consultative Forum with key stake-holders during May.

The outcomes of this Consultative Forum were integrated in the position paper and the final document was submitted to the Ministry for Education & Employment.

New Premises During 2015, the Board agreed on the new premises to house the NCFHE within the Malta Life Sciences Park in San Gwann.
ANNUAL REPORT 2015 19 ANNUAL REPORT 2015 20 Quality Assurance Introduction The Quality Assurance Unit within NCFHE is responsible for the implementation of Subsidiary Legislation 327.433 ‘Further and Higher Education (Licensing, Accreditation and Quality Assurance) Regulations’.
This legislation aids the development and support of a national quality culture in Further and Higher education provision in Malta through: • • the development and fostering of internal quality assurance mechanisms in accredited entities; the undertaking of external quality audits and other forms of monitoring to support the continuous improvement of the sector, to ensure compliance with regulations and to monitor the fulfilment of national education targets.
ANNUAL REPORT 2015 21 Achievements ESF project 1.227 ‘Making Quality Visible’ In 2015, the NCFHE continued developing quality assurance procedures through the ESF Project 1.227 ‘Making Quality Visible’ which started in 2013.

This was led by the NCFHE in collaboration with University of Malta, Malta College for Arts, Science and Technology (MCAST); Institute of Tourism Studies (ITS); Directorate for Lifelong Learning and the Employment and Training Corporation and ACQUIN.
The key deliverables of the project in 2015 were: 1.

Continuation of Net-QAPE activities Net-QAPE (Network for Quality Assurance Professionals in Further and Higher Education), a network for stakeholders involved in quality assurance, was very much involved in ensuring that the outcomes of the project were reached.

Net-QAPE was set up in order to provide concrete and on-going support and up-skilling and continuous professional development (CPD) to its members.
The network has 95 members, representing over 90% of Further and Higher education students in Malta.

44 Net-QAPE members followed a CPD Award for Quality Assurance Professionals in Further and Higher Education provided by the NCFHE as part of its support function.

In 2015, one meeting and one training seminar were held for Net-QAPE members.

2.
2.

Publishing the National Quality Assurance Framework for Further and Higher Education The draft launched framework was during a Consultative Conference with stakeholders on the 25th July 2014 that ushered in a three-month consultation period.

As a result of the feedback received, this was revised and concluded in October 2014.

This was official launched during the concluding conference held in July 2015.
The Framework provides the conceptual context for this work, and establishes the paramount need to develop a national quality culture.

In the first stage, the scope of the Framework is to implement the provisions on internal quality assurance and periodic external quality assurance audits.

3.
3.

Publishing the External Quality Audit Manual of Procedures The Manual sets out the procedures and timeline for the implementation of the external quality assurance audits, from when an institution is informed of the upcoming audit to the final publication of the external audit report and its aftermath.

The manual was developed by the Quality Assurance Agency (QAA) in the UK, after a public call.

ANNUAL REPORT 2015 22 4.


The up-skilling of Quality Assurance Officers and staff in accredited and self- accrediting institutions in Malta In the first half of the year, the NCFHE organised training for prospective student evaluators – 30 student evaluators with vocational and tertiary education backgrounds were selected to conduct subsequent external quality assurance audits.
In June 2015, NCFHE organised a three-day-Training Seminar for Prospective Peer Experts of External Quality Audits – over 120 applications were received for 40 places.

The participants were trained in various aspects in order to conduct external quality assurance audits.

Separate training sessions were organised for the three entities in which the external audits were undertaken.

5.
5.

The development of three pilot external quality audits at University of Malta, MCAST and ITS their All three entities were being supported individually to prepare their internal quality assurance procedures and self- evaluation document in the context of the external audits.

The pilot external audits were another important step for the NCFHE to achieve full membership in ENQA, which will itself enhance the international reputation of quality assurance procedures and education provision in Malta.
The audits were all in line with the established Standards and Guidelines for Quality Assurance in the European Higher Education Area (ESG) and also in line with EQAVET parameters.

The Head of each Peer Review Panel was from the European Higher Education Area.

In the case of the University of Malta it was a representative of the Quality Assurance Agency in the UK.

The Heads of the Peer Review Panels at MCAST and ITS were from ASIIN – a German QA agency.
Student evaluators – members of each panel – were students from an institution different than the one being audited, e.g.

two students of University of Malta were student evaluators at ITS.

The selection of the evaluators guaranteed independence, neutrality and a high level of professionalism.

All three reports have been published on the NCFHE website.
As the results of a survey prepared by Grant Thornton show, despite the limitations of the project, the participants were highly satisfied with the outcomes that they achieved during the external quality assurance audits and have drafted an action plan to implement the recommendations put forward during the audit.

In this regard, there is general consensus on the continuation of similar activities in order to continue enhancing the quality of the educational sector in Malta.
Indeed, the enhancement of quality is an on-going activity that different educational institutions should aim for to continue to constantly improve the provision of education in Malta which, after all, is the main objective of the Quality Unit in 2015.

6.

Concluding Conference The Concluding Conference of the project ESF 1.227 ‘Making Quality Visible’ was held on the 1st of July.

Present for this conference were Hon.


Evarist Bartolo, Minister for Education & Employment; Mr Martin Scicluna, the Chairman of the NCFHE; Ms Edel Cassar, Chief Executive Officer of the NCFHE; as well as representatives from the project partners, student evaluators and educational institutions.

The Certificates for the CPD Award for Quality Assurance in Further and Higher Education were presented.
Overall, the conference hosted 220 attendees who, aside from attending the conference, also took an active part in the workshops entitled What can Further and Higher education providers in Malta learn from the IQA and EQA experience of the three institutions that piloted the Project?
Overall, as is indicated in the evaluation report prepared for the NCFHE by Grant Thornton, the main strength of this project was the involvement of experts in the delivery of the different activities who provided insights from their personal experience in the field of quality assurance.

Indeed, the participants of the project found this aspect to be very useful as they could relate to the experts.
Furthermore, the experts made the sessions very practical through the simulation exercises and role plays which gave the participants the opportunity to practice what they were being taught.
ANNUAL REPORT 2015 23 Stakeholders Meetings QAC Meetings The NCFHE was represented during a number of international seminars, such as the Meeting of the EQAVET National Reference Points which was held in November in Dublin, Ireland and also a Cedefop meeting titled Learning providers and the quality of learning delivery held in December in Thessaloniki, Greece.

These meetings enable NCFHE to further improve its relationship with its European counterparts.

In 2015, the Quality Assurance Committee times.
The main met deliverables during 2015 were: formally ten • • • review of general procedures to consider requests for accreditation as Universities; setting up of three Panels for Request for Accreditation as Universities; feedback on QA Framework Further and Higher Education; for • assessment of the application of the American University of Malta and Middlesex University; revised programme application procedures; accreditation • • development of External Quality Assurance tools and procedures; • MQF Level 8 Accreditation Workshop; • publication of the final reports on the institutions that sat for the external audit – UoM, MCAST, ITS; • advising the NCFHE Board on the interpretation of Subsidiary Legislation 327.433 Regulation 47 Interpretation Note; • advising the NCFHE Board on the policy pertaining to the publication and dissemination of the EQA reports.
Action on non-Compliance with Regulations In 2015 the QA Unit took 15 actions due to non-compliance with regulations by 11 entities.

These ranged from improper advertising incorrect claims of accredited status and/or provision.

All actions by the NCFHE resulted in remedial action being taken by the entities in question.
to ANNUAL REPORT 2015 24 Licensing and Accreditation Introduction As per Subsidiary Legislation 327.433, and in accordance with article 65 of the Education Act, the NCFHE is “the competent authority for licensing, accreditation and quality assurance of providers and programmes.” During 2015, in order to cater for the ever increasing workload and to further improve the effectiveness of the Commission, the Quality Assurance Division was split up into two Units.
The Quality Assurance Unit retained responsibility to quality assure accredited programmes and providers, whilst the Accreditation Unit was entrusted with the responsibility for licensing and accreditation of both Further and Higher education institutions and the courses they provide.

ANNUAL REPORT 2015 25 Achievements Provider Accreditation The Accreditation Unit received 42 applications for provider accreditation, including the first two applications for tuition centres.
30 applications were finalised, equivalent to 71.4% of the applications received by the end of the year.

The breakdown of applications processed for the accreditation of entities in 2014 is given in Table 1.

A further 10 licences have been processed for renewal of licence.
Self- Accrediting Institutions Other State Educational Institutions Institutions with a Full Licence Institutions with a Provisional Licence Total University Higher Education Institution Further and Higher Education Institution Further Education Institution Further Education Centre Tuition Centre English as a Foreign Language Total 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 2 4 3 5 0 0 0 14 TABLE 1: PROVIDER APPLICATIONS PROCESSED IN 2015 0 3 1 10 0 2 0 16 2 7 4 15 0 2 0 30 ANNUAL REPORT 2015 26 By the end of 2015, the NCFHE had 116 entities that were accredited, a breakdown of which can be found in Table 2.
Self- Accrediting Institutions Other State Educational Institutions Institutions with a Full Licence Institutions with a Provisional Licence Total University Higher Education Institution Further and Higher Education Institution Further Education Institution Further Education Centre Tuition Centre English as a Foreign Language Total TABLE 2: TOTAL NUMBER OF ACCREDITED PROVIDERS AS AT END OF 2015 ANNUAL REPORT 2015 27 During 2015, the NCFHE implemented the fee structure introduced in December 2014.
These processing fees covered both provider and programme accreditation as shown in Table 1 and were meant to cover the administrative expenses involved in processing the applications.
Provider Accreditation Provider Fee 2015 University Higher Education Institution / Further and Higher Education Institution Further Education Institution Further Education Centre Tuition Centre €2,000 €500 €200 €50 N/A TABLE 3: ADMINISTRATIVE FEE STRUCTURE FOR PROVIDER ACCREDITATION ANNUAL REPORT 2015 28 Programme Accreditation In 2015, the Accreditation Unit received 173 applications for the accreditation of courses developed nationally by accredited Further and/or Higher education entities.
The breakdown of applications for programme accreditation received during 2015 is given in Table 4.

Moreover, the Unit processed a further 84 applications that were carried over from 2014.

All applications in hand were initialised by the end of the year totalling 257 applications.

This constitutes an increase of 51% over 2014.


MQF Level 1-10 credits 11-30 credits 31-60 credits 61-90 credits 91-120 credits 121-180 credits 181-240 credits 241-300 credits Total 16 23 10 12 17 4 1 4 20 5 7 3 0 3 0 0 1 9 1 0 0 Total 83 42 11 20 43 17 30 22 16 16 9 173 TABLE 4: BREAKDOWN OF APPLICATIONS FOR COURSE ACCREDITATION RECEIVED DURING 2015 152 applications were finalised during 2015.
This constitutes an increase of 80.9% over the previous year.

118 applications were successfully accredited while 34 applications were cancelled or withdrawn.

ANNUAL REPORT 2015 29 As at the end of 2015, the total number of accredited courses was 399, an increase of 50% over 2014, a breakdown of which is provided in Table 5.
1-10 11-30 31-60 61-90 91-120 121-180 181-240 Total MQF Level 63 65 30 36 66 12 0 29 12 5 17 10 2 1 3 0 2 12 8 0 2 Total 272 76 27 95 77 37 67 86 21 16 0 399 TABLE 5: FEES TOTAL ACCREDITED COURSES AS AT END OF 2015 In 2015, the NCFHE introduced processing fees covering the administration costs associated with programme accreditation.
These fees were based on the number of ECTS/ECVET and the MQF Level of the programme, as indicated in Table 6.
MQF Level of Course The First 10 ECTS/ECVET (per credit) 11th to 30th ECTS/ECVET (per credit) ECTS/ECVETS (per credit) above the first 30 1 & 2 3 & 4 5 & 6 7 8 € 15 € 20 € 30 € 60 € 10 € 12 € 15 € 30 € 3000 € 2 € 2 € 5 € 10 TABLE 6: FEE STRUCTURE ACCORDING TO ECTS/ECVET AND MQF LEVEL ANNUAL REPORT 2015 30 Mutual Recognition Coordinator Introduction The Mutual Recognition Coordinator is entrusted with the coordination of the activities of designated authorities2 in Malta and with the promotion of the uniform application of Directive 2005/35/EC on the recognition of professional qualifications (PQD) which was transposed by means of the Mutual Recognition of Qualifications Act3 and the Recognition of Professional Qualifications Regulations4.
The above- mentioned designated authorities in Malta are obliged to furnish the Mutual Recognition Coordinator with any requested information which may reasonably be required for the purposes of the above-mentioned functions.

ANNUAL REPORT 2015 31 Achievements The year under review has been a year of significant activity in the mutual recognition sphere.
The transposition of Directive 2013/55/EU, the introduction of the European Professional Card (EPC), Online Alert Mechanism and National Action Plans were high on the local and European agenda.

The PQD was significantly amended by Directive 2013/55/EU which, as a consequence, needed to be transposed into national legislation.

A detailed and comprehensive impact assessment on how these changes affected national laws was carried out.
As part of this process, an exercise was also launched across various ministries to update the list of regulated professions in Malta.

Once this was completed, the actual process of transposition was initiated.

Designated authorities were informed of changes made to the specific legal framework regulating a profession and given copies of the amendments as they were drafted.
As part of the drive to facilitate the free movement of professionals across the EU, Directive 2013/55/EU introduced the concept of the European Professional Card.

Its primary aim is to facilitate the recognition of professional qualifications and thus improve professionals’ mobility.

Five professions were selected for the initial roll out - pharmacists, nurses responsible for general care, physiotherapists, real estate agents and mountain guides.
This is an ambitious project which necessitated numerous meetings between Mutual Recognition Coordinators from all Member States and the European Commission to discuss its impact and technical implementation.

Extensive consultation was carried out with the Pharmacy Council, Council for the Professions Complimentary to Medicine, the Council of Nurses and Midwives and the Superintendant of Health on this new online recognition system.
Furthermore, the Mutual Recognition Coordinator, together with the registrar of the Pharmacy Council, attended a training session on the practical aspects of the system.

Roles within this framework were defined and preparations have been made for when the system will be fully operational in January 2016.

An online alert mechanism is also being introduced in tandem with the EPC.
The competent authorities within Member States will have the obligation to notify/alert the relative competent authorities of other Member States about the detection of falsified diplomas and decisions of a court/tribunal/other adjudicating authority prohibiting a professional from practising the profession permanently or temporarily, totally or in part.
Its implementation was also discussed at length between Member States (to which the Mutual Recognition Coordinator was present) and the European Commission in Brussels.

This system will be fully operational with regards to certain professions by January 2016.
2 “Designated authority” means a licence, permit or warrant awarding body or authority in Malta designated for the mutual recognition of qualifications in relation to a regulated profession or regulated professional activity as listed in the Schedule to the Mutual Recognition of Qualifications Act or as may be determined by regulations from time to time.
3 Chapter 451 of the Laws of Malta 4 Subsidiary Legislation 451.03 ANNUAL REPORT 2015 32 Like all other Member States, Malta - through its designated authorities - is tasked with compiling information on regulated professions in Malta, in the European Commission’s regulated professions online database.

The process is not straightforward and the Mutual Recognition Coordinator provided assistance to the individual designated authorities on and ad-hoc basis.
Moreover, following issues highlighted by Member States, discussions were held between Member States and the European Commission with regards to the modification and addition of certain fields within the database.

The purpose was to make this more user-friendly and improve the quality of data that was being compiled into the database and thus improve the overall comparability of regulatory frameworks.
Designated authorities regulating those professions that were targeted for these changes were consulted throughout the process.

Changes were made effective during the last quarter of 2015.

As part of the drive to improve the free movement of professionals, the European Commission launched a mutual evaluation exercise across the EU.
Member States have been tasked with drafting what has been called a ‘National Action Plan’, whereby states must evaluate regulated professions and analyse whether the regulatory framework is still justified (because it serves a public interest objective) and proportionate.

The Mutual Recognition Coordinator has raised awareness with the various ministries as regards the scope of this plan/report.

As a result, a committee was created for the purposes of drafting the National Action Plan.
During 2015, the Mutual Recognition Coordinator in the role of ‘Assistance Centre’ provided guidance to individuals on the mutual recognition framework.

Assistance was given to local and overseas individuals alike, wishing to practice their profession in a country other than that they were established in.

This at times necessitated the involvement of local designated authorities.

This was a challenging year but one where significant progress was made in various spheres.
The most critical being the awareness raised within ministries and designated authorities with regards to the obligations arising under the PQD, thus laying the foundations for further progress to be made in this area.

ANNUAL REPORT 2015 33 The purpose was to make this more user-friendly and improve the quality of data that was being compiled into the database and thus improve the overall comparability of regulatory frameworks.
ANNUAL REPORT 2015 34 Validation of Informal and Non-Formal Learning Introduction The National Commission for Further and Higher Education is the competent authority responsible for the validation of non-formal and informal learning and for classifying such validation at a level of the MQF.

This is in line with the EU directive towards recognising and validating all forms of learning, specifically those acquired in informal and non-formal contexts and situations.
Throughout 2015, NCFHE has undertaken a number of measures to keep on developing the implementation of VINFL in Malta.

In view of this, collaboration was held with different sectors in developing their respective occupational standards.

ANNUAL REPORT 2015 35 Achievements The year under review has officially seen the setting up of four Sector Skills Units in four different economic sectors, namely: Construction and Building, Health and Social Care, Hair and Beauty, as well as the Automotive Industry.
Each unit is composed of technical representatives from various interest groups, for maximum stakeholder representation and feedback.

The Health and Social Care and the Construction and Building Sector Skills Units, have proceeded with reviewing and delivering a number of National Occupation Standards (NOS) for their respective sector.
The Construction and Building Sector Skills Unit has successfully completed four National Occupation Standards for occupations in plastering, tile-laying, plumbing and the electrical wiring industry.

The said NOSs, are also being adopted by the Building Industry Consultative Council (BICC) for the implementation of a skill card system which is likely to spearhead other similar initiatives in other economic sectors.
On the other hand, the Health and Social Care Sector Skills Unit is finalising the child care worker MQF Level 4 and Level 5 occupational standards through another rigorous process, and this is foreseen to be completed by the first quarter of 2016.

In parallel with the above, the NCFHE also worked on the preparation of access documentation for the child care work validation process.

Together with the access committee, NCFHE has completed access arrangements for the VINFL Childcare Practical.
Such documentation shall thus be serving as an annex to the validation process of childcare workers, whereby it shall highlight the necessary guidelines that need to be taken by the Sector Skills Unit when validating people with access needs.

The document does therefore allow for various component adaptations, be it practical or written.

Furthermore, it highlights the documentation that candidates wishing to validate their skills need to submit.
The work carried out shall be continued in 2016, seeing further appointment of other economic sectors skills units, which shall in turn see the VINFL section grow to a larger operation, with work and activities spread at least across six different sectors.

ANNUAL REPORT 2015 36 Research and Policy Introduction The During 2015, the NCFHE continued to consolidate its work on research and policy in Further and Higher Education.
In its various activities, this team is supported by a pool of Research Analysts and Research Assistants, which have proven invaluable in supporting it on a number of its research projects.

The NCFHE carries out both continuous research projects as well as ad-hoc research.
On-going research projects include the annually published statistics report based on data collected from Further and Higher Education providers and the national student survey collecting data directly from students on their social and economic conditions.

Besides this, the NCFHE also undertakes ad-hoc research aimed at providing insights on a specific issue of policy concern and usually does so in collaboration with other stakeholders in the field.
In 2015, the NCFHE carried out a tracer study of scholarship holders of the different government scholarship schemes at postgraduate level in collaboration with the Directorate Programme Implementation of the Ministry for Education and Employment.

It also embarked on an extensive research on student engagement in Sixth Forms in Malta aimed at identifying the factors promoting or hindering engagement of students.
Moreover, it launched a tracer study of students having graduated in 2013/2014 from public and private Further and Higher education providers and collaborated with the Employment and Training Corporation and Malta Enterprise in a design of an employee skills survey.

The NCFHE draws on the findings from these various research projects in order to formulate policy recommendations and guide policy implementation.
During 2015, the NCFHE launched the Higher Education Strategy for Malta and carried out a project aimed at promoting the implementation of the Bologna Process in Malta which consisted mainly of conducting staff training across all the licensed Further and Higher education institutions in Malta.
ANNUAL REPORT 2015 37 Achievements – Continuous Research Projects NCFHE Further and Higher Education Statistics Survey The NCFHE annually collects data on student headcounts in Further and Higher Education directly from education providers.

On 24th April 2015, the NCFHE published the Further and Higher Education Statistics report covering both the academic year 2012/2013 and 2013/2014.
This report is available in the Research Section on www.ncfhe.gov.mt it collected data for Moreover, the academic year 2014/2015 in collaboration with the National Statistics Office (NSO).

This was done in an effort to streamline the data collection exercise of both entities and reduce the workload for education providers who were previously asked to report similar data both to NCFHE and NSO.
NCFHE and NSO collect both data on students enrolled in programmes on the reference date of 31st March 2015 and data on graduates.

The latter refers to students having successfully completed their programme of study during the academic year 2014/2015.

For the academic year 2014/2015 out of a total of 94 Further and Higher Education providers licensed with the NCFHE, 3 self-accrediting institutions and 14 post- secondary academic institutions, a total of 93 provided student headcount data to NCFHE and NSO.
NCFHE FURTHER AND HIGHER EDUCATION STATISTICS REPORT 2013/2014 The NCFHE Further and Higher Education Statistics report for the academic year 2014/2015 will be published in 2016.

ANNUAL REPORT 2015 38 EUROSTUDENT V Report At the final conference of the EUROSTUDENT V project held between 25th and 27th February 2015 in Vienna, the EUROSTUDENT V project published the synopsis of indicators.

It is a comparative report on the social and economic conditions of students in 30 European countries, including Malta.
It provides unique insights into student life based on comparable datasets collected through national surveys every 3 years based on the principles of: • comparability, • relevance, • context, and • accessibility.

Having been conducted for the first time in 2000 with only 8 countries, this fifth round included data from 30 countries.
Through this substantial increase in countries carrying out this data collection, EUROSTUDENT has developed into one of the primary sources of data on the social dimension of the European Higher Education Area, which encompasses 49 countries.

Malta, through the NCFHE, has participated in this data collection exercise for the first time during EUROSTUDENT IV and launched its report of the data collected during EUROSTUDENT V on 12th December 2014.
The EUROSTUDENT V report is available online at: www.eurostudent.eu The National Report for Malta is available online at: www.ncfhe.gov.mt Data collected by the 30 participating countries through EUROSTUDENT V is accessible through the following database: http://database.eurostudent.eu THE FINAL CONFERENCE OF THE EUROSTUDENT V PROJECT HELD IN VIENNA ANNUAL REPORT 2015 39 Achievements: Other On-Going Research Projects Student Engagement Project In 2015, NCFHE embarked on a project to identify the reasons of students’ engagement or disengagement in their learning.
Through this research, the NCFHE seeks to better understand the factors that could contribute to encouraging more young people to continue their education.

This is of particular importance in view of Malta’s target towards the EU2020 strategy to reduce the share of early school leavers among 18-24 year olds to 10% by 2020 and increase Higher education attainment among 30-34 year olds to 33% by 2020.
The research focuses on former students who completed or dropped out of Sixth Form during the academic year 2012/2013 or 2013/2014.

This focus was chosen to identify whether or not they continued their studies and to what extent their engagement in school may have influenced their decision.

The research also addresses teachers and administrative staff of Sixth Forms to better understand how they perceive and support student engagement.
The research is based both on data collected through online surveys from former students, teachers and administrative staff and on in-depth interviews with these three groups.

The interviews allow the NCFHE to get a more complete and rich perspective of the experiences, forms and conditions for student engagement.

The data collection for this project was carried out between April and August 2015 with findings expected to be published in 2016.
Moreover, it collected data for the academic year 2014/2015 in collaboration with the National Statistics Office (NSO).

This was done in an effort to streamline the data collection exercise of both entities and reduce the workload for education providers who were previously asked to report similar data both to NCFHE and NSO.

NCFHE and NSO collect both data on students enrolled in programmes on the reference date of 31st March 2015 and data on graduates.
The latter refers to students having successfully completed their programme of study during the academic year 2014/2015.

For the academic year 2014/2015 out of a total of 94 Further and Higher Education providers licensed with the NCFHE, 3 self- accrediting institutions and 14 post-secondary academic institutions, a total of 93 provided student headcount data to NCFHE and NSO.

The NCFHE Further and Higher Education Statistics report for the academic year 2014/2015 will be published in 2016.
ANNUAL REPORT 2015 40 Tracer Study among Postgraduate Scholarships Awardees Together with the Directorate for Programme Implementation of the Ministry for Education and Employment, the NCFHE carried out a tracer study amongst awardees of the various scholarships schemes offered by the Government of Malta for individuals wishing to undertake studies at postgraduate level.
This included beneficiaries of the Malta Government Scholarships Scheme Postgraduate, the Strategic Educational Pathways Scholarships Scheme and MASTER it!

The research itself was supported through ESF project 1.225 - MASTER it!

The aim of this research was to collect information on the conditions of the scholarship awardees during their studies and their pathways after completion both in terms of their professional and academic development.
For this purpose, the research included both current beneficiaries and those who already completed the programme for which they received the scholarship.

This information was sought in order to evaluate the effectiveness of the scholarships schemes and their impact on the social and economic development of the country as a whole, hence enabling NCFHE to suggest potential future improvements of the scholarships schemes.
The report was presented during the Closure Ceremony of the ESF projects 1.25 - STEPS and 1.225 - MASTER it!, which was held on 12th December 2015 at the Mediterranean Conference Centre in Valletta and is available from www.ncfhe.gov.mt TRACER STUDY AMONG POSTGRADUATE SCHOLARSHIPS AWARDEES ANNUAL REPORT 2015 41 Graduate Tracer Study As part of the Erasmus+ project “Promoting the Bologna Process in Malta 2014- 2016”, the NCFHE carried out a tracer study in 2015 among students having completed a programme of study during the academic year 2013/2014 at a public or private Further or Higher Education provider.
This tracer study aimed at identifying the situation of graduates after completion of their qualifications and is expected to yield valuable information for evaluating the impact of the on-going reforms on the provision of Further and Higher Education in Malta.

The study also addressed the fit between the education provided and the needs of the labour market.
It is hoped that this information will contribute to strengthening the relevance of Further and Higher Education to labour market needs on one hand, and the needs of the diverse students’ population on the other.

The research was carried out through an online survey.

Graduates were either contacted directly by the NCFHE or invited by the education provider they were enrolled in to participate in the survey.
The survey focussed on graduates’ entry routes into Higher education, their education history, transition into employment, career path, and the perceived link between their education experience and their employment after graduation.

All levels and areas of study were included under the scope of this survey.

The data collection took place between 29th October 2015 and 28th December 2015.

The findings of this graduate tracer study will be published in the first half of 2016.
Employee Skills Survey As part of the above-mentioned Erasmus+ project, the NCFHE also embarked on an employee skills survey.

The objective of this study is to collect solid evidence about the number of employees in different sectors of the Maltese economy and undertake a skills forecast in terms of the number of staff required / decreased in the medium and long-term.
Besides that, the survey collects data on recent recruitments, types of vacancies that are hard to fill and the reasons for such situations.

It also aims to collect data on the level of qualification held by employees in different sectors of the Maltese economy, their knowledge, skills and competences as well as their training needs during their employment.

This survey is being carried out in collaboration with the Employment and Training Corporation and Malta Enterprise.
During 2015, the three entities collaborated to consolidate the questionnaire, which was then used for the design of the online survey for the data collection.

The three entities also agreed on the sampling and sampling size of the employers to be targeted for this research.

The data collection itself will be carried out during the first quarter of 2016.

The findings of this research will be published in the first half of 2016.
ANNUAL REPORT 2015 42 Achievements: Other On-Going Research Projects Launch of the National Vocational Education and Training Policy and the Higher Education Strategy Besides conducting research, another function of the NCFHE is to consult government on the future development of Further and Higher Education in Malta.

It does so in an evidence-based manner by drawing on research and its expertise in Further and Higher Education.
In 2014, the NCFHE issued two recommendations for policy development, which were endorsed by government, namely the VET Policy and the Higher Education Strategy.

These documents were launched at a conference held by the NCFHE in collaboration with the Ministry for Education and Employment on the 24th April 2015.
The documents are available online at: www.ncfhe.gov.mt DURING THE LAUNCH OF THE NATIONAL VOCATIONAL EDUCATION AND TRAINING POLICY AND THE HIGHER EDUCATION STRATEGY ANNUAL REPORT 2015 43 Erasmus+ Project: “Promoting the Bologna Process in Malta 2014-2016” During 2015, a particular focus of the Research and Policy Unit has been the implementation of the Erasmus+ project “Promoting the Bologna Process in Malta 2014-2016”.
The NCFHE is carrying out this project as the National Agency for the Erasmus+ KA3 project: Support to the implementation of EHEA Reforms.

It consists of a number of activities aimed at promoting the implementation of the Bologna Process in Malta.
The main rationale of these activities was to address the two central challenges for Malta’s Higher education system as identified in the Bologna implementation report (EACEA, 2012), namely the low Higher education attainment and participation rates and the quality assurance system which is still consolidating.5 At the same time, the project also delivers on the implementation of the Higher Education Strategy mentioned above, in particular the priority areas of encouraging innovative content and programme design and increasing employability and entrepreneurship.
The project targets these challenges through separate initiatives, namely by carrying out a graduate tracer survey and an employee skills survey, which have been outlined above.

Moreover, the project includes training sessions for staff at Further and Higher Education providers on the implementation of Bologna Process tools.

These training sessions are aimed at all public and private licensed education providers based on their specific training needs and are offered by the NCFHE free of charge.
Between September and December 2015, the NCFHE has carried out 11 training sessions to staff from 28 different education providers and in this way delivered training to over 400 staff in Further and Higher Education.
The following topics were covered: • Overview of the Bologna Process and its implementation in Malta, • The Malta Qualifications Framework and key updates of the Referencing Report, • The Quality Assurance Framework in Malta, • Writing of Learning Outcomes, • The social dimension of Higher Education.

Further training sessions will be provided by the NCFHE during 2016.
Through these training sessions, the NCFHE seeks to support education providers in adjusting their provision of teaching and learning, according to the principles of the Bologna Process.

This will contribute to making Malta a more attractive destination for foreign students and help Maltese qualifications to be easily recognised abroad which thus facilitates student mobility to and from Malta.
5 EACEA / Eurydice / Eurostat / Eurostudent (2012): The European Higher Education Area in 2012: Bologna Process Implementation Report, Brussels, Eurydice, available online at: http://www.ehea.
info/Uploads/(1)/Bologna%20Process%20Implementation%20Report.pdf, last accessed 30th July 2015 ANNUAL REPORT 2015 44 Malta Qualifications Recognition Information Centre Introduction The Malta Qualifications Recognition Information Centre (MQRIC) is the competent body within the NCFHE that recognises qualifications against the Malta Qualifications Framework (MQF).
It provides recognition and comparability of both academic and vocational qualifications, using both the MQF and the European Qualifications Framework (EQF) to provide recognition advice on both local and international qualifications.

It also assists in the recognition of Maltese qualifications abroad.

MQRIC is also the local official ENIC-NARIC6 centre in Malta and forms part of the ENIC-NARIC Network which is present in 55 countries.
Recognition statements for qualifications may be required for various reasons, such as, inter alia, to pursue further studies, applying for a job or a promotion, qualification allowance, tax rebate, scholarship schemes, or to obtain a single permit, visa or citizenship.

6 European Network of Information Centres – National Academic Recognition Information Centres ANNUAL REPORT 2015 45 Achievements Throughout 2015, MQRIC received 6,356 qualifications for assessment out of which 5,135 were completed.
6907 6356 5135 8000 7000 6000 5000 4000 3000 2000 1000 0 QUALIFICATIONS Received in 2015 Outgoing, including those received in 2015 and previous years Outgoing, from those received in 2015 FIGURE 1: QUALIFICATIONS RECEIVED AND COMPLETED, 2015 ANNUAL REPORT 2015 46 The year under review has been marked by the capacity building of the Centre with new staff and relevant training, changes in internal procedures and a fundamental review of MQRIC’s sphere of operation.
The mission objectives and procedures of MQRIC were scrutinized to ensure that its work remains relevant for today’s exigencies, which are dictated by increased mobility of persons, evolving job markets, international developments in the educational sector, and the needs of applicants submitting their qualifications for recognition.
This exercise identified various short, medium and long term goals to which MQRIC had to realign its energies to ensure it adheres better to its mission statement to recognise qualifications against the Malta Qualifications Framework, in accordance to Article 6 of the Mutual Recognition of Qualifications Act.

The most immediate concern for MQRIC was taking cognisance of its evolving role in Malta with regard to the employment of persons, in particular non-Maltese citizens in Malta.
The growing trend is for more non-Maltese nationals to apply for their qualifications to be reviewed, thus foreign applicants today constitute more than half of the recognition work carried out by MQRIC.
3500 3000 2500 2000 1500 1000 500 0 3427 2543 937 Applicants by Nationality EU Candidates Maltese Applicants European Union Applicants 3rd Country Nationals FIGURE 2: QUALIFICATIONS EVALUATED BY NATIONALITY OF APPLICANT, 2015 ANNUAL REPORT 2015 47 900 800 700 600 500 400 300 200 100 0 2012 2013 2014 2015 Philippines Serbia India United Kingdom Italy FIGURE 3: INCREMENTAL CHART OF NATIONALITY SUBMITTING QUALIFICATIONS 5636 5422 4501 3421 6000 5000 4000 3000 2000 1000 0 2012 2013 2014 2015 FIGURE 4: MALTESE QUALIFICATIONS RECEIVED, 2012-2015 In this respect, MQRIC statements have become an important tool for both employers and for Government entities by providing guidance as to the suitability of a person for particular employment.
For this reason, MQRIC has reviewed the legal standing of its research and the statements it issues, and following consultative meetings with its principal Government partners that make recourse to its services, has updated the legal standing of the statements.

FIGURE 2: QUALIFICATIONS EVALUATED BY NATIONALITY OF APPLICANT, 2015 ANNUAL REPORT 2015 48 Transition to Digital Operations MQRIC has undertaken the task to fully digitise its operations.
The transition from paper to online applications will have multiple benefits starting in 2016.

In view of this key transition, MQRIC has changed its archiving policy to reflect the upcoming changes.

Applications submitted in hard copy are all being scanned and stored online, with hardcopies being disposed, following consultation with the National Archives of Malta.

This will also help eliminate unnecessary costs related to current archiving practises.
In keeping with the spirit of updating to the digital age, the MQRIC website has been continuously updated with new information and clearer guidelines on how to submit an application.

Operations The year under review was characterised by the in-depth review of all MQRIC’s operations, and all accepted practises.

The result yielded several developments, most notable of all being the criteria for recognition, ensuring a more consistent and transparent procedure.
Other important changes have including improved movement of files, more efficient front office handling of customers, revised application forms; more control over data entry with improved cross checking; improved and faster printing and better handling of customer calls.

A new synergy was built with the MQRIC Appeals Board, including a more transparent methodology in answering any queries raised by same Board.
It is envisaged that these developments in operations will continue into 2016, taking into consideration the changes that will be introduced by the new online system.

Status Evaluated Application Withdrawn or Cancelled Applicant directed to Licensing Unit for Accreditation Total TABLE 7: QUALIFICATIONS EVALUATED, 2015 No.
of Qualifications 6752 121 34 6907 ANNUAL REPORT 2015 MQF Level Level 1/Comparable to Level 1 Level 2/Comparable to Level 2 Level 3/Comparable to Level 3 Level 4/Comparable to Level 4 Level 5/Comparable to Level 5 Level 6/Comparable to Level 6 Level 7/Comparable to Level 7 Level 8/Comparable to Level 8 Not Recognised or N/A No Data / Cancelled Totals 49 No.
of Qualifications 74 358 1246 998 650 854 615 59 1772 281 6907 TABLE 8: QUALIFICATIONS BY MQF LEVEL Stakeholders Meetings MQRIC held several meetings over the year with various teaching institutions and representatives of various professions to discuss issues related to the recognition of particular qualifications.
MQRIC has been proactive in calling for these meetings, such as with Transport Malta, to examine the issues related to international qualifications, as those regulated by the International Maritime Organization and the International Civil Aviation Organization, which at present fall outside the sphere of ENIC-NARIC competence.
Meetings with the Employment and Training Centre Corporation (ETC) and Identity Malta have also been held with the aim of simplifying issues related to the recognition of qualifications issued outside the EU and the EEA, which consequently can never be fully recognised and level rated within the ENIC-NARIC system.

These meetings are a continuation of MQRIC’s ongoing efforts to eliminate unnecessary bureaucratic procedures that might not always be suitable for every given applicant.
Participation in International Initiatives On the 28th October 2015, MQRIC attended the Seminar on the Recognition Procedures for the recognition of Asylum, held in Brussels.

The meeting was organised by the EU Commission Directorate-General for Education and Culture Commission.

It brought together all ENIC-NARIC centres to share information about their approaches to carrying out recognition of qualifications.
The difference in approach is even more evident with regard to refugees, with the on-going migration crisis afflicting Europe putting even more pressure on ENIC-NARICs.

MQRIC has been active on this front with close coordination with the Refugee Commissioner.

MQRIC’s present policy is to treat all persons, regardless of legal status, the same and will treat all submitted qualifications in same manner.
This is a position that reflects MQRIC’s focus on the qualification, and not the certificate or the holder of the certificate.

ANNUAL REPORT 2015 50 Communications Introduction The year under review was the first full year of operations for the Communications function which was re-established in November 2014.

It was a very challenging year characterised with an unexpected surge of interest in the entity from the media and the need to set up a number of procedures in relation to communications.
ANNUAL REPORT 2015 51 Achievements Public Relations The main media-related item for 2015 was an application for a University license which created national interest in the accreditation process followed by the NCFHE.

Throughout May-December 2015, the entity received 6 requests in writing from journalists and 9 requests for comments on TV regarding this issue.
In addition, 3 press releases were issued and a press conference was held on the 3rd June 2015 where Mr Martin Scicluna, NCFHE Chairman, explained to the journalists present what the accreditation process entails and answered their queries.

The Communications function kept on following the procedure of scanning newspapers both printed and online, on a daily basis and informing the CEO of any urgent matters.
In addition, assistance was provided in the design and printing of 13 call for services and vacancies that were published throughout 2015.

Events On the 24th April 2014, the NCFHE has launched the Further and Higher Education Statistics report covering the academic years 2012/2013 and 2013/2014, together with the Vocational Education Training Policy and Higher Education Strategy for Malta.
This event attracted 76 attendees, coming from licensed Further and Higher education institutions, the Ministry for Education and Employment, MCAST, ITS, and other professionals within the Further and Higher education sphere.

A round-table discussion on the Pluralism of Further and Higher Education in Malta was organised on the 22nd May 2015.
Presided by Mr Martin Scicluna, NCFHE Chairman, this was attended by a number of professionals with the aim to create further discussion amongst stakeholders on the pluralism of Further and Higher education, which eventually leads to greater choice, sharper competition between institutions and a general rise in overall standards.

Another event organised by the NCFHE in collaboration with the Ministry for Education & Employment was held on the 2nd October 2015.
This entailed the official launch of the Thematic Country Review on Apprenticeships in Malta carried out by Cedefop, an agency within the European Commission which supports development of European vocational education and training policies.

The NCFHE also took part in the consultations that led towards the drafting of this review.

The Communications function was also involved in the organisation of a staff development day which took place on the 5th November 2015.
DURING THE LAUNCH OF THE FURTHER AND HIGHER EDUCATION STATISTICS REPORT ANNUAL REPORT 2015 Online Presence The year under review saw quite an overhaul of the entity’s online presence.

The current website was thoroughly updated after a lacking maintenance and other important updates were carried out on a day-to-day basis.
long period In early 2015, discussions started with the IMU section within the Ministry for Education and Employment and MITA regarding the possibility of hosting a new website on MITA’s servers.

This would help to provide a more secure environment the Commission’s website, with for immediate assistance available from IMU and MITA.

The new portal was transferred to the NCFHE in October 2015.
The Communications Manager has been given the task of designing a more user- friendly website, collating information required from the other units, and actively creating new sections and visuals.

This exercise is expected to be completed by end of January 2016.

Another important feature within the new website is an online system where service users may apply for their recognition statement, and educational institutions apply for provider/programme accreditation and check the status of their application.
This exercise is currently underway, and the Communications Manager further facilitated discussions between the NCFHE, IMU and MITA in order to apply for a separate hosting environment for this new feature.

53 The NCFHE has further improved its presence on social media.

The Facebook account was re-activated and by the end of 2015, the page attracted 744 users, an increase of 78% from January of the same year.
In addition, a Linkedin account for the entity was created in February, and by the end of the year it had 172 connections.

These profiles were used to communicate important launches and events information to the general public, share from the entities’ national and international collaborators, create more awareness about the services offered and other important aspects related to the NCFHE’s operations.
A series of small images giving information on important terms was introduced together with a lighter series depicting inspirational quotes on education.

In 2015, the Government of Malta launched an online service for citizens servizz.gov to provide more services online and through selected points of service in prime locations in Malta.

The intention was to create a faster, easier and more reliable service for citizens.
The Communications function was representing the NCFHE during the meetings held in this regard, and also supplied all the information requested about the services offered.

Throughout 2015, the NCFHE generic email service kept on being monitored where over 1,300 emails were received.

All queries were forwarded to the appropriate departments.
ANNUAL REPORT 2015 54 Participation during Fairs and Exhibition In 2015 the NCFHE participated in the annual Fresher’s Week organised by the Kunsill Studenti Universitarji for new students within the University of Malta (UOM).

The entity occupied a stand next to the University’s library and answered various queries presented by students, mainly in relation to recognition of qualifications.
Informative material about the services offered, the Malta Qualifications Framework, and Further and Higher education statistics was disseminated together with a number of freebies.

The stand was manned thanks to a collective effort by NCFHE employees.
NCFHE REPRESENTATIVE DURING FRESHER’S WEEK ANNUAL REPORT 2015 55 Support to EU Funded Projects In 2015, the Communications function provided support to various projects administered by NCFHE mainly EQF-NCP, ReferNet and ESF Project 1.227 ‘Making Quality Visible’.

1.

EQF-NCP The NCFHE is the National Contact Point (NCP) for the European Qualifications Framework (EQF) in Malta.

The EQF-NCP project is the main source of funding for the Commission to further promote the Malta Qualifications Framework (MQF).
The coordination of this project lies within the Communications function.

The main activity for 2015 was the Consultation Process for the Updating of the Referencing Report for Malta.

This entailed coordinating a number of focus groups and seminars, receiving feedback from stakeholders and updating the document as required.

The participation during the Fresher’s Week was also financed through this project.
A research exercise on the Access Arrangements of the Validation of Informal and Non- Formal Learning: Arrangements for Childcare Assessments was financed through this project.

This document outlined access arrangements for candidates wishing to be assessed for Level 4 proficiency in childcare, the learning outcomes needed for success in the practical component of the childcare test, and the actual access arrangements as guidelines for assessors.
NCFHE employees have benefited from a seminar entitled Policy Learning Forum: The Definition and Writing Learning Outcomes in VET organised by Cedefop.

This served as a networking event with other professionals in the field of VET to discuss the challenges involved in the writing/description of learning outcomes and sharing of best practices within the EU context.

EQF-NCP also contributed towards the dissemination of information among the general public.
Two articles on the Malta Qualifications Framework and recognition of qualifications were published on MCAST Link and the Insiter, targeting MCAST and UOM students respectively.

A poster depicting the MQF was disseminated by post among all Local Councils in Malta for the attention of the general public and 100 diaries for 2016 were also produced to create more awareness on the project.

ANNUAL REPORT 2015 56 2.


ReferNet In 2015, the NCFHE was the National ReferNet Coordinator in Malta, which is a network of institutions created by Cedefop in 2002 to provide information on national VET systems and policies in the EU Member States, Iceland and Norway.

A number of deliverables for this project were commissioned to a Researcher, following a public call for service.
The Communications function made sure that such deliverables were delivered, and reviewed the material prior to submitting to ReferNet.

These included articles focusing on specific areas on VET, a document giving a snapshot of the situation of VET in Malta for 2015, and a report providing a country-wide update on VET.

Apart from these, the Communications Manager also prepared 6 short news items throughout the year under review.

These characterised the main developments in VET that took place nationally.
Other support to this network included the updating of the Maltese educational system according to ISCED levels, and collating information about the provision of information and guidance on international learning mobility to IVET learners.

The NCFHE also maintains a website – www.refernet.org.mt – which provides information about this project and the situation of VET in Malta.

In 2015, this website was thoroughly updated and new sections have been introduced to provide more information about this project.
Moreover, new features such as a social media application and RSS feeds highlighting news from Cedefop are now also available on the home-page.

This project also helped NCFHE to disseminate information to the general public.

The Vocational Education and Training Policy was disseminated among all private and public VET providers and other professionals in the field.

Moreover, the Anniversary edition of the Spotlight on VET, published by Cedefop, was also disseminated amongst the same cohort.
Towards the end of the year, 200 printed desk calendars giving information about the project were also circulated.

Between the 14th and 15th May 2015, the Communications Manager represented the entity during the ReferNet South/Central Regional Meeting held in Limassol, Cyprus.

The aim of this meeting was to update ReferNet participants regarding the 2015 work plan and discuss issues related to Initial Vocational Education & Training.

ANNUAL REPORT 2015 57 3.


ESF Project 1.227 ‘Making Quality Visible’ Support was provided during the final conference of ESF Project 1.227 ‘Making Quality Visible’ which was held on the 1st July 2015.

During this event, the National Quality Assurance Framework for Further and Higher Education was launched as well.

Hon.

Evarist Bartolo, Minister for Education Employment, and Mr Martin Scicluna, NCFHE Chairman, were present for this event.

This event was also covered by the media.


The Communications function also coordinated the design, printing and dissemination of various publications and informative material that formed part of this project.

These included a training folder, a leaflet on the National Quality Assurance Framework for Further and Higher Education aimed at the general public and another one for professionals, the External Quality Assurance Audit Manual and the Accreditation Manual.
ESF 1.227 ‘MAKING QUALITY VISIBLE’ FINAL CONFERENCE ANNUAL REPORT 2015 58 Administration & Finance Introduction The Finance and Administration Section was primarily responsible for the administration of NCFHE finances as well as managing funds from various EU projects.

These projects included the Cedefop-ReferNet Project, the Erasmus+ Project, the EQF-NCP project and the ESF Project 1.227 ‘Making Quality Visible’.
This section was responsible for the collection of revenue from the licensing and accreditation services offered to institutions.

One major achievement for this year in this revenue collection process was that all invoices were sent out on the same day the application was submitted.

Invoices for 2015 totalled €61,000 out of which €57,000 revenue was collected as at the year’s end.
The Finance and Administration Section also managed the procurement of goods and services, from the initial stage of the raising of commitments up to the settlement of invoices within a reasonable period of time through the SAGE accounting system.

This process is finalised with the filing of fiscal receipts for the goods and services procured.
Financial statements including monthly re-assessment of budgetary estimates, monthly cash flow projections and quarterly financial statements on accruals basis were also compiled.

ANNUAL REPORT 2015 59 Achievements Financial Reporting During 2015 regular Financial Data Reporting System Reports were submitted to MFIN in a timely manner.

These reports assisted in a tighter budgetary control.

Regular reconciliations were also carried out for the daily transactions posted into SAGE.
Payments Throughout 2015 the NCFHE’s Finance and Administration Section processed over 3,000 transactions.

These covered various services rendered to NCFHE such as the evaluation services of national qualifications and other professional services, as well as the procurement of services and supplies for the daily function of the NCFHE’s offices and operations.
A number of these transactions were also related to the various international projects, such as the ESF Project 1.227 ‘Making Quality Visible’, the EQF-NCP project and the Cedefop-ReferNet project.

All payments were made in line with the procurement and financial procedures.

In 2015 efforts were made so that evaluators submitted their invoices in a timely manner so as to avoid a back-log of payments.
A major achievement in the Finance and Administration Section was the strict adherence to the 30-days stipulated in the Late Payments Directive.

The section also pushed forward for SEPA compliance.

The only exceptions to these were the payments that were carried out through the Structural Fund Database (SFD) system in relation to the ESF project.
Payroll Throughout 2015 the Finance and Administration section was also responsible for the administration of the NCFHE payroll making using of the Government’s DAKAR system.

As at the end of 2014, there were 21 staff members on the Commission’s payroll.

This increased to 25 full-time staff members and one staff member on reduced hours.

6 University summer students were also inserted on a temporary basis.

The process to place the one part-time staff member onto the NCFHE payroll was also commenced.
P.E.

Numbers In addition to the NCFHE Board’s P.E., number, the NCFHE also applied for a separate P.E.

number for the Quality Assurance Committee (QAC).

This enabled its members to work on the committee with the assurance that tax was deducted at source by the NCFHE.

Following the introduction of Legal Notice 64 in July 2015, evaluators, researchers, members on the sector skills councils and other such contracts were informed to register for a VAT number.
ANNUAL REPORT 2015 60 Procurement Policy In 2015 the Finance and Administration Section continued to adhere to the NCFHE procurement policy.

This provides guidelines and procedures to be used by NCFHE staff for the procurement of all goods, services and works.

The underlying principle of this policy is that procurement is carried out in line with the provisions of the Public Procurement Regulations 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 CEO.

In 2015 over 200 Purchase Orders were issued to procure supplies, services or works.

The procurement policy facilitated the monitoring of the goods produced so that cost-cutting exercises could be introduced.

Throughout 2015 the Finance and Administration Section also allocated each expense to a specific section within NCFHE.
This enabled the forecasting of expenses for 2016.

Financial Audit 2014 The work for the Financial Audit commenced in January 2015 and the Audit was completed successfully by April 2015 - when it was presented to the NCFHE Board for approval.

The Audit of the Financial Statements included the Statement of Financial Position as at 31 December 2014, the Statement of Profit or Loss and Other Comprehensive Income, the Statement of Accumulated Fund and the Statement of Cash Flows for the end of 2014.
Recruitment of Personnel with the Unit Following an external call, a new full-time Executive was recruited in February 2015.

This executive strengthened the Finance and Administration section and was able to focus on particular areas such as Administration, Human Resources, Travel, Parliamentary Questions and procurement.

Charges for Licensing and Accreditation The Finance and Administration Section ensured that the proper record retention of this income was kept.
It also strove to ensure that all invoices were followed up in order to ensure that revenue due was paid in a timely manner.

Health and Safety During the year, a number of repair and servicing works were carried out at the NCFHE premises to ensure a safe working environment for employees.

These included plumbing, fixing of fixtures, servicing of air-conditioning units and servicing of fire- extinguishers.
The Finance and Administration section also ensured that the Travel Insurance Policy was kept updated in order to provide adequate coverage for all staff members who travelled on duty.

During 2015 there were two claims for travel insurance.

Both claims were followed up until the receipt of the revenue.
ANNUAL REPORT 2015 61 ANNUAL REPORT 2015 62 Parliamentary Questions and EU Statistical Information Parliamentary Requests for Information were dealt with as well as the compilation of EU statistical data required.

The section was also responsible for information required for the Fiscal Consolidation exercise including sick-leave data, consultants and overtime.

In 2015, this section also replied to 65 Parliamentary Questions.

This information was sent on a monthly basis.


Generic E-Mail Address During 2015 the Finance and Administration Section maintained the generic address admin.ncfhe@gov.mt.

This was mainly used for Calls of Quotations for the procurement of goods and services as well as all tenders in connection to the ESF Project 1.227 ‘Making Quality Visible’.
ICT Requirements The Finance and Administration section was also responsible to ensure that the NCFHE staff was provided with the necessary IT support required from the Information Management Unit (IMU) and MITA.

This included the migration of data whenever new laptops were purchased.

This section was also responsible for the necessary paper work to set up the domain, email and username accounts as well as access to shared folders for the new staff members, including 6 summer students.
EU Projects As in the previous year, 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.

ANNUAL REPORT 2015 63 Cost Cutting Achievements As in previous years, this Section drove to ensure that, when possible, payments were paid electronically.
This cuts down on postage costs and ensures that invoices adhere to the Payment Period.

All collection of revenue for the services of Licensing and Accreditation is made electronically via bank transfer.

A large number of the evaluators of the home-grown qualifications are also paid electronically.

Whenever possible payments to Bank accounts which were non-BOV accounts were paid by cheque to avoid paying extra Bank charges.

In addition, multiple payments to the same supplier were processed together.
This cut down on bank charges and increased efficiency.

During 2015 the number of telephone lines was reduced and a new telephone service was set up with one provider.

This saw a reduction of 20% in telephone costs and rental charges.

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 Finance and Administration section and handed out in small amounts if and when required.

The use of the three photocopiers leased was 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.

The Finance and Administration section monitored all requests for stationery, including A4 paper.
Requests for stationery were funnelled through the Executive in each respective section and evidence of the request was retained.

This assisted in the reordering of stationery and saw a reduction of 10% in the stationery being used per section.

All invoices sent in 2015 for the collection of revenue from the processing of the Licensing and Accreditation fees was carried out electronically.
Another cost cutting achievement was to ensure that all purchases for air-travel were carried out immediately upon clearance.

This ensured that ticket prices were purchased at cheaper rates.

ANNUAL REPORT 2015 64 NCFHE REPRESENTATIVES DURING THE JOB SHADOWING EXPERIENCE AT THE UK NARIC Capacity Building & Staff Development The main beneficiaries for this project were NCFHE employees.
Two members of staff from the Malta Qualifications Recognition Information Centre (MQRIC), namely Ms Shirley Micallef and Mr Alan Cauchi visited UK NARIC between the 30th November and 2nd December, 2015.
The purpose of this job shadowing visit was to further enhance the relations between UK NARIC and MQRIC, provide participants the opportunity to gather information of how UK counterparts work within their agency, see how the UK online system functions, and to gather information related to the UK Qualifications Framework.

Ms Shirley Micallef also visited OFQUAL (The Office of Qualifications and Examinations Regulation) for a short meeting on the 3rd December, 2015.
The objective of this mission was to enhance and establish new contacts.

Furthermore, this meeting served to get a better understanding of OFQUAL’s role and responsibilities, its approach to regulation and accreditation, the upcoming changes to the OFQUAL Register and to examine how qualifications are listed on the Register.
Another learning experience was attended by Ms Valerie Attard and Ms Annalise Borg during the International Seminar in European Project Management which was held in Florence between the 28th September 2015 and 3rd October 2015.

The aim of this course was to help participants to improve their skills when applying for a European Project.

It addressed individuals who sought to acquire the skills for successfully accessing and managing European funds in the field of culture, education and training.
ANNUAL REPORT 2015 65 Officers from the Quality Assurance Department, namely Angelique Grech, Anne Marie Vincenti and Adam Liwak, participated in a Higher Educational Reviewer Training organised by the Quality Assurance Agency between the 7th and 10th July in the UK.

The purpose of this training was to provide NCFHE staff with the necessary skills in order to take part and coordinate in a timely manner an External Quality Audit.
This training was mainly focused on the aim and goals of undertaking a review, the various characteristics of different types of Higher Education providers, and the different methodologies in undertaking a Higher Education Review with a major focus on the desk-based research.

This training provided the NCFHE staff with practical measures to undertake an External Quality Audit (EQA), make judgments and also practical exercises in writing the final report on the institutions that sat for the EQA.
NCFHE REPRESENTATIVES DURING THEIR VISIT AT THE QUALITY ASSURANCE AGENCY, UK Staff Development – Other Initiatives On the 5th November 2015, all NCFHE employees participated in a Staff Development Day.

This served to give an update on very important developments going on within the Commission.

Moreover, employees had the opportunity to participate during a workshop on emotional intelligence at the place of work.
This was possible thanks to Dr Michael Clarke and Dr Ashok Srivastava who cordially offered to deliver such sessions.

In 2015, MQRIC invested in the training of its staff by visiting the Quality and Qualifications Ireland.

This visit helped the team to learn and discuss new methodologies for evaluation of qualifications, and how to maximise the transition from a paper office to a digital one.
ANNUAL REPORT 2015 66 Recruitment During 2015, NCFHE identified a number of vacant positions which it sought to fill in order to better fulfil its legal obligations in terms of delivery of service.
Table 10 depicts the capacity building that has taken place during the year under review: Designation Employment Date 1 Administration Executive 1 Officer 1 Officer 1 Officer 1 Officer 1 Officer 1 Head, Quality Assurance 1 Officer 1 Administration Executive 1 Head, Accreditation 1 Officer 19.01.2015 02.02.2015 26.03.2015 06.04.2015 27.04.2015 01.06.2015 26.08.2015 09.09.2015 01.10.2015 04.11.2015 30.11.2015 TABLE 9: VACANT POSITIONS FILLED IN 2015 These recruitment processes have enhanced all units within the Commission by replacing staff members who had previously resigned with new members of staff and recruiting employees for positions within existing sections that were previously vacant.
ANNUAL REPORT 2015