Since our last newsletter, several areas of work that were still developing have progressed considerably. We are now in the final phase of reviewing the recommendations for the revised policies and procedures, taking into consideration the consultations held with various stakeholders over recent months.
This has also been a period of widening collaboration. We were pleased to welcome for a two-week placement a doctoral candidate in Safeguarding from the Pontifical Gregorian University, who works closely with the Jesuits and another student who is undertaking the Licentiate course. Currently, a priest who is likewise pursuing the Licentiate in Safeguarding at the Pontifical Gregorian University is undertaking a three-month placement with the Safeguarding Commission. These placements provide valuable opportunities for mutual learning and exchange, while further strengthening our links with international safeguarding formation and academic institutions.
These exchanges sit alongside growing collaboration with dioceses and safeguarding bodies abroad, and with public and private-sector stakeholders in Malta. Increasingly, part of the Commission’s work is not only to provide safeguarding expertise, but also to help connect organisations and individuals with good-quality training, specialist knowledge and appropriate support.
Various important meetings were also held with Ordinaries, priests and religious, and lay communities to enhance the work of the Safeguarding Commission within the Church in Malta. These meetings provided valuable opportunities to discuss emerging safeguarding needs, strengthen cooperation, and identify areas where further support and guidance may be required. They also contributed to fostering a shared responsibility for safeguarding across the different structures and communities of the Church.
Our collaboration with DISCERN has also continued to develop, contributing research and reflection to areas of safeguarding practice that require careful attention and evidence-based thinking.
Safeguarding work requires continuous review and development, particularly to ensure that training remains responsive to emerging needs. For this reason, the Safeguarding Commission continues to collaborate closely with the Pastoral Formation Institute to further develop safeguarding formation and address the different training needs within the Church.
The developments outlined reflect the Safeguarding Commission’s continued efforts to strengthen safeguarding practice within the Church. In the coming months, our focus will remain on finalising the ongoing review of policies and procedures, developing new safeguarding courses, and strengthening the partnerships that support our work. Most importantly, we remain committed to ensuring that safeguarding structures and practices continue to respond effectively to emerging needs and developments within the Church.
Mark Pellicano
Head of Safeguarding