Radio programmes: MFPA produced a series of radio programmes on Campus FM between April and July 2022. During this series it presented the different professional organisations forming the Malta Federation of Professional Associations. Each programme presented a different organisation explaining what the profession entails, who they work with and how an individual can seek help and advice from the respective professional. This programme aimed to raise awareness about the different professions and provide information to listeners about when to seek help. It also showcased the sterling work that voluntary organisations carry out. The programme was presented by the CEO of MFPA Norma Camilleri. This project has been funded through the Voluntary Organisations Project Scheme managed by the Malta Council for the Voluntary Sector on behalf of Parliamentary Secretary for Sports, Recreation and Voluntary Organisations within the Ministry for Inclusion and Social Wellbeing. The archive of the programmes can be accessed here

In its mission to collaborate with international organisations, MFPA partnered with Confprofessioni, the Italian Federation of Liberal Professionals, on an EU Funded Project ‘Mutuus’, VP/2020/001 Support for Social Dialogue. The project was led by Confprofessioni, and other partners included CEPLIS, Equal Ireland and Uni Europa.  As part of its activities, MFPA organised a business breakfast in collaboration with The Malta Independent, entitled 'Social Benefits for Self-Employed: from Policy to Practice'. The event was held on Thursday 23 June 8:15 - 11am, at the Marriott Hotel & Spa, St Julians. The programme included: keynote speech by Mr Grazio Barbara, DG Social Security panel discussion moderated by Neil Camilleri, Editor-in-Chief, The Malta Independent with the participation of Ms Abigail Mamo, CEO, Malta Chamber of SME’s, Mr Gian Paul Gauci, Deputy CEO, Union Ħaddiema Magћqudin and Victor Carachi, President General Workers’ Union.   introductions by Mr Benjamin Rizzo, President MFPA and Ms Norma Camilleri, CEO MFPA Participants at the event included representatives from unions, professional associations, government as well as professionals in self-employment. Media reports covering the event and related articles: The Malta Independent – event coverage Lower birth rates led to necessity to resort to private pension schemes The evolving employment market, ensuring the fair adaptability to new market trends

MFPA held a seminar to conclude its 50th anniversary celebrations. Findings of the research "The perception of the public on the professional", carried out by MFPA, were presented. Sound work ethic, reasonable fees and ability to communicate/speak in a way that the client can understand are the top three priorities for service users when choosing a professional. Click here for a detailed report on the research. The project was funded by the Voluntary Organisations Project Scheme managed by the Malta Council for the Voluntary Sector. The programme included: A presentation of the research findings by Ms Vanessa Bajada, Director of Market Research at Esprimi. Panel discussion by Ms Roberta Farrugia Debono, Clinical psychologist & Family Therapist, Ing Helga Pizzuto, Chairperson MCCAA - Malta Competition and Consumer Affairs Authority, and Rev Dr Carlo Calleja, Ethics lecturer, University of Malta. The discussion was moderated by Neil Camilleri, Editor-in-chief, The Malta Independent. Introductions by Mr Benjamin Rizzo, President MFPA and Ms Norma Camilleri, CEO MFPA Media reports covering the event and related articles: The Malta Independent – event coverage The perception of the public on the professional Cultivating Trust    

An eminent architect in the early 1970s, Mr Roger Degiorgio, shared his idea of setting up a federation for professional organisations, with Mr John Chadwick, then Director of the Commonwealth Foundation. The latter immediately gave his full support to this concept and on 19 February 1971, the Malta Federation of Professional Bodies was born, changing its name to Malta Federation of Professional Associations (MFPA) in 1999. It was founded by seven members, five of which are still active today: Kamra tal-Periti, Dental Association of Malta, Malta Institute of Accountants, Medical Association of Malta and Malta Association of Electrical Engineers, which later joined other engineering disciplines and formed the Chamber of Engineers. The other two founding members, the Economic Society of Malta and the Graduate Teachers Association dissolved a few years later. The late Economist Prof Salvinu Busuttil was the first President of MFPA. With the introduction of more courses at the University of Malta, the professional population in Malta increased, more professional organisations were established and hence the Federation started attracting more members. Today MFPA comprises 17 professional organisations representing approximately 10,000 professionals in Malta. The aims and objectives set in 1971 are still valid today: to promote different professions; to maintain professional standards; to promote inter-professional relationships; and to contribute towards the advancement of the interests of society. Since its foundation, MFPA sought to contribute to the improvement of Maltese society by bringing the professionals’ perspective to authorities, politicians and policy makers. It also participated actively during the period of Malta’s accession in the EU, the Pensions Reform as well as the Professional Qualifications Directive. One of the roles of the Federation is to bring together different member organisations to discuss topics of general and common interest. This leads to better understanding of different professions and promote interdisciplinary relationships. International affiliations For the past 17 years, the MFPA has been involved at European level through its membership within the European Council of the Liberal Professions, CEPLIS. It has contributed to various programmes such as the publication of the Common Values for Professionals. CEPLIS Director General Theodoros Koutroubas, claimed that “MFPA has achieved results and reputation inversely proportional to the size of its beautiful island country.” The Federation has also collaborated in various EU funded projects with Confprofessioni, the Italian Federation of Liberal professionals. Its President, Gaetano Stella, claimed that MFPA has always been able to play a key role in accompanying and representing Maltese liberal professionals, thanks to its presence and the continuity of its action: “The collaboration between our Confederations has been strengthened year after year by the common European commitment, by operating for the benefit of occupational sustainability of professional firms, training and professional ethics and joining forces in partnerships in important European projects.” The current President of MFPA, Ms Roberta Farrugia Debono, believes that the Federation has a very important role in society. She sees its main role to be the voice of the liberal professional in civil society: “It has also the role of putting on the national agenda issues that are of interest both to the professionals themselves as well as the persons who avail themselves of the services of the professional. It promotes good ethical practice at the basis of what constitutes the work of a professional.” Ms Farrugia Debono’s vision for the Federation is that it becomes more of a stakeholder on the national scene such that the collective expertise is used to promote a better society that is focussed on the well-being of every individual. Throughout this 50th anniversary year, MFPA will be holding various activities and events to increase its visibility. In recent years it embarked on two different projects: The Needs of the Professional in Gozo, funded by Gozo NGO scheme, and Professional Ethics: Safeguarding the service to the consumer, funded by the Voluntary Organisations Project Scheme, managed by MCVS. The research findings of the first highlighted the different challenges that professionals in Gozo encounter in Gozo rather than when working in Malta. The research in the second project outlined the perception of university students, new professionals, and consumers (service users) with regard to professional ethics. A new research will now be carried out to address the challenges highlighted in the previous two studies. MFPA strongly feels that its sector’s strict adherence to ethical values constitutes much more than a mere legal obligation. It is the ultimate guarantee of a high-quality service to the consumer and the cornerstone of a relationship of trust between the professional and the clients/patients. The Federation continues to develop initiatives that accentuate the importance of professional ethics at a national level, including collaboration with member EU states. It is its contribution towards a competitive and ever-growing economy that remains at the service of citizens. MFPA is grateful to all present and past Presidents and Council members who have contributed, on a voluntary basis, to the Federation during these 50 years. The member organisations forming part of the Federation are: Association of Podiatrists of Malta (APM) Association of Speech-Language Pathologists (ASLP) Chamber of Engineers (CoE) Dental Association of Malta (DAM) Kamra tal-Periti (KTP) Malta Association of Occupational Therapists (MAOT) Malta Association of Physiotherapists (MAP) Malta Association of Professional Conservators and Restorers (MAPCo-Re) Malta Association of Social Workers (MASW) Malta Association for the Counselling Profession (MACP) Malta Chamber of Pharmacists (MCOP) Malta Chamber of Psychologists (MCP) Malta Institute of Accountants (MIA) Malta Veterinary Association (MVA) Maltese Association of Youth Workers (MAY) Medical Association of Malta (MAM) Society of Medical Radiographers Malta (SRM)

The Malta Federation of Professional Associations is concerned about the impact that mass events (political, secular and religious) are having on the number of Covid-19 cases in Malta. MFPA reiterates the message it has issued in previous statements. It believes that, although resuming economical activities is important for the country, authorities must ensure the balance between the health of the nation and the economy. Opening up for tourism is not the same thing as promoting mass events. It is crucial to implement policies through an evidence-based approach, and to value what professionals are saying. An increase in cases will definitely not help destination management companies, the tourist industry and the government itself to promote our country as a safe destination. For instance, we should not be hosting mass events that were cancelled in other countries, merely to attract more tourists. We appeal for a sensible approach so that we can protect other segments within the tourism industry, which ensure a more constant support to our economy. Should the infection rate go out of control, the whole of the economy will suffer once again. We cannot jeopardise everyone’s sacrifices, especially those of front liners, earlier this year for a very small sector of the economy. It is also worrying that festa related activities, such as band marches and street parties, are being organised. These attract large groups of people without respecting social distancing and other precautions. We are also concerned that large number of people are congregating inside churches before pilgrimages take place. We appeal to ecclesiastical authorities to ensure that social distancing and use of masks/visors in churches are practiced in all churches. Politicians have a duty to safeguard public health, as much as to ensure a healthy economy. We must acknowledge that we are in “post partial lockdown period”, and not in “post covid-19 period”. Norms for all different economic operations and the population issued by the Superintendence of Public Health, which are still in force, should be publicly implemented by all, without regard to their societal rank. We should all set an example, whilst ensuring the credible enforcement of these precautions in society. The recent mass political activities, where those attending, including politicians and others addressing the event neither wore any masks/visors, nor observed the necessary social distancing, and resorting to frequent hand shaking, is very worrying and risky and also transmits to the general public the wrong message that CoVid-19 is now over. Once again, MFPA emphasizes the importance of unequivocal information to the public. Mixed messages are leading to individuals feeling anxious, insecure and afraid, exacerbating mental health issues.. The minimal recommendations constantly reiterated by WHO and the local Health Authorities, to wear masks, respect social distancing and avoid hand shaking and frequent sanitizing, should be respected by all. The MFPA represents a mix of professions from both the healthcare and economy sectors. It joins other organisations such as the specialist medical organisations, Public Health Association, as well as MFPA’s own organisations the Medical Association of Malta (MAM) and the Malta Chamber of Pharmacists (MCOP) who already issued statements asking the government to reconsider the present position on the holding of all forms of mass events. All member organisations are concerned and augur that all citizens realise the impact a second (and worse) wave may have on our country. This statement is endorsed by member organisations of MFPA: Association of Podiatrists of Malta, Association of Speech-Language Pathologists, Chamber of Engineers, Dental Association of Malta, Kamra tal-Periti, Malta Association for the Counselling Profession, Medical Association of Malta, Malta Association of Occupational Therapists, Malta Association of Physiotherapists, Malta Association of Professional Conservators and Restorers, Maltese Association of Social Workers, Maltese Association of Youth Workers, Malta Chamber of Pharmacists, Malta Chamber of Psychologists, Malta Institute of Accountants, Malta Veterinary Association and Society of Medical Radiographers. Government must be vigilant – stop mass events FINAL 28 Jul.docx

Hon. Minister Fearne, Minister for Health Hon Julia Farrugia, Minister for Inclusion and Social Well Being Hon Deo Debattista, Parliamentary Secretary Consumer Protection Mr. Karl Farrugia, CEO Procurement Ms Isabella Vella, CEO POYC Dear Hon. Minister Fearne, As President of the Malta Federation of Professional Association, I was alerted to another national health crisis that has been affecting the country in the past days regarding the shortage of HIV medication. Whilst I notice with satisfaction the recent news articles and the press release by the Ministry for Health of new medication for people living with HIV, currently this is not yet available leaving some of the persons living with HIV without the treatment they are required to take daily. I acknowledge that there are plans with relevant professionals for the drug replacement, the fact that there is currently shortage of the medication in the country for persons living with HIV is very worrying. Specialists in the field report that such shortage is having devastating and life-threatening impact on these persons’ lives. I was shocked to learn that people living with HIV have been reduced to beggars by using social media to request donation from other patients in order to curb the shortage. As President of MFPA, which brings together Professionals from the health sector and other sectors, I would like to show our solidarity with the professionals involved directly with this client group who are having a difficult time adhering to the core obligations of their profession. This is not out of their free will but because of lack of availability of necessary resources to do their work properly. I acknowledge the difficulties created by COVID-19 and by Brexit, however this cannot be used as an excuse for poor planning. The Health authorities were already aware that treatment was severely outdated and detrimental to the health of those who relied on them. Had timely action been taken, there would have been ample time to manage a proper transition even when considering the current difficulties. Whilst showing full solidarity with persons living with HIV, I remind you, that time and time again, MFPA has been very vocal in requesting that health authorities take the advice of professionals involved in a timely manner when effecting such changes this will surely have a more positive outcome for everyone. I am very aware that apart from physical consequences such shortage had a strong impact on the patients’ mental health status and thus we would like to support and encourage the professionals involved in supporting both physical and mental wellbeing of this patient group. I would like to appeal to everyone’s utmost good will and efforts to sort this issue as soon as possible and have the required medication available for patients before it is too late. This letter is being endorsed by the following associations: Association of Podiatry Malta Association of Speech-Language Pathologists Chamber of Engineers Dental Association Malta Malta Association of the Counselling Profession Malta Association of Occupational Therapists Malta Association of Physiotherapists Malta Association of Professional Conservators and Restorers Malta Association of Social Workers Malta Association of Youth Workers Malta Chamber of Psychologists Malta Veterinarian Association Society of Medical Radiographers Roberta Farrugia Debono President Malta Federation of Professional Associations

The Malta Federation of Professional Associations (MFPA), representing more than 10,000 professionals coming from health, industry and finance sectors, expresses its concerns about the persistent rise in the number of individuals resulting positive to Covid-19 virus as well as the alarming increase in the number of deaths. Notwithstanding that most of these fatalities have been reported to have underlying medical conditions, the fact remains that the virus was the cause of their demise. It is now more than ever imperative that enforcement of the measures issued by the Superintendence of Public Health, is done in a consistent and systematic way so that the situation can be brought back under control. MFPA calls on the responsibility of each individual citizen to abide by the rules and guidelines (such as proper mask wearing, hand hygiene and social distancing) which are constantly advertised, to ensure the safety of all. MFPA encourages the government to continuously revise the restrictions, based on evidence and advice provided by health experts. It supports the Medical Association of Malta (MAM) in its repeated appeals to the health authorities to rapidly implement the proposals in the statement as necessary measures to bring the pandemic under control. MFPA reiterates the need for the government to give the unequivocal message to the public that we all need to continue to be vigilant. The Federation also urges all professionals to continue to embrace their ethical responsibility by acting as role models in our community and abiding by all precautionary measures. As WHO Director Tedros Ghebreyesus stressed, ‘No-one is safe until everyone is safe’. It is only with collective effort that society can bring down the numbers of infections and deaths caused by this virus. 14 October 2020 MFPA calls for Collective Responsibility 14 Oct.pdf

The Malta Federation of Professional Associations (MFPA) has voiced its concern on many occasions in the past months about Government undermining the professional advice given by health experts, in view of the reopening of the airport as well as the lifting of bans on mass events. MFPA has also expressed concern about the mixed messages that the Government has been passing to the general public, which are causing anxiety and confusion especially amongst vulnerable people. The numbers of Covid-19 cases have increased consistently to alarming levels since the mass events have taken place. In a recent statement, last week, MFPA joined several organisations in their appeal to the authorities to cancel mass events. The Federation supports the statements issued by its members, the Medical Association of Malta and the Kamra tal-Ispizjara ta’ Malta and events planned by its member organisations have all been cancelled. MFPA also believes that the Government should take immediate measures to bring the number of Covid-19 cases under control before vulnerable people become infected. It also agrees that the Government should do whatever is in its power to take control of the pandemic, before Malta becomes black-listed as a tourist destination as a result of the increased number of positive cases. Despite the drive to enhance economic activity the rise of positive cases could have long term effects on this same economy whilst also infecting our health work force, which is the workforce pillar that is containing this outbreak. The outbreak earlier this year showed we have excellent standards within the Superintendence of Public Health (SPH) which, when it was in control, came very close to getting rid of the virus on the island. MFPA is of the strong opinion that the SPH should continue being the leader in any decisions that are taken and not be side-lined by others with no expertise on health and the novel virus infections. This model worked out during the first wave also because the actions of SPH are supported by law and through official legal notices. The situation is deteriorating too quickly. We have seen a sudden increase in the R-factor, putting at risk both national health and the economy. MFPA, which represents more than 10,000 professionals in Malta, reiterates the messages it has put across in the past months. It appeals to the government to consult with health professionals and base its decisions on research-based evidence, as well as on the sudden increase of active cases. MFPA appeals to the authorities to cancel all mass events until the pandemic situation is once again under control. This statement is endorsed by member organisations of MFPA: Association of Podiatrists of Malta, Association of Speech-Language Pathologists, Chamber of Engineers, Dental Association of Malta, Kamra tal-Periti, Malta Association for the Counselling Profession, Medical Association of Malta, Malta Association of Occupational Therapists, Malta Association of Physiotherapists, Malta Association of Professional Conservators and Restorers, Maltese Association of Social Workers, Maltese Association of Youth Workers, Malta Chamber of Pharmacists, Malta Chamber of Psychologists, Malta Institute of Accountants, Malta Veterinary Association and Society of Medical Radiographers. 6 August 2020 MFPA supports MAM and Kamra tal-Ispizjara – 6 Aug at.docx

The Malta Federation of Professional Associations (MFPA) would like to show its dismay that once again professionals who are not listed in Annex A or B cannot avail themselves of any of the government schemes announced on Monday 8 June, despite the fact that they have incurred financial losses during the past three months. Professionals, especially those that are self-employed and employers still have had to pay rents and water and electricity bills despite the fact that their practices were either entirely closed or were obliged to drastically reduce the services they provided with the provision of basic emergency cover to assist very urgent cases. MFPA carried out a survey in May about the current working conditions of professionals. This followed another survey carried out in April, to have a clearer picture of the difficulties professionals are facing in the current situation. The following are the most important points and facts that emerged from the 834 responses received by individual professionals. Although this survey was carried out a few weeks ago, data collected is still relevant since none of the most recently announced measures addressed the financial difficulties faced by professionals. Self-employed health professionals were the worst hit in all issues addressed by the survey. Demographics 69.4% of the total respondents were healthcare professionals. The sample was made of 78.3% respondents who come from MFPA MOs and 21.7% were from other professions. The survey comprised of several employment categories: 55.7% were employed (40.5% in the public sector and 15.2% within the private sector), 21.6% self-employed, 14.9% full time employed and also with part-time private practice while 5.1% were part-time employed (2.2% with the private sector & 2.9% within the public sector). Job security 6.1% (52) of all respondents reported that they were made redundant during this period of Covid-19 situation. Of these 80.8% of these were health professionals while the rest were non-health related professionals. The absolute majority of these redundant professionals (62%) were self-employed. So again, self-employed health professionals were worst hit. 74.5% of those employed in the private sector claimed they felt that their job security was under threat. Financial losses When asked about financial losses, 19.3% reported up to 25% loss, 10.4% up to 50% loss, 9.2% up to 75% loss and 6.4% total loss of income (100%). Within the category of total loss, 77.4% of them were self-employed health professionals. In the first survey, a staggering 96.9% of self-employed professionals had reported they suffered a financial loss with 70.3% of them reporting a loss of more than 50% of their usual income. In the second survey, 92.8% of the self-employed respondents reported a loss in April with 22.8% of them suffered total loss of their income, 40% between 90% and 75% and 30% of them suffering a loss of between 50% to 25% of their income. Financial packages announced by the government were not of help to 69% of those in full-time employment in the private sector and to 52.6% of the self-employed. Only 7.9 % of the self-employed were eligible. 66.7% of the employers were not eligible either. Professionals as Employers A very small percentage of the total respondents (2.7%) were employers who employ a mix of professionals as well as ancillary staff. 56% reported that their staff could be at risk of losing their job while 20% were definitely at risk. 64% of the employers were non-health related professionals. Respondents were able to add additional comments. Several self-employed commented that their practice was drastically reduced placing them, their employees and families in strenuous conditions. Several also pointed out that they reduced their practice (even up to 90%) to abide by rules and follow guidelines issued by health authorities to ensure the safety of the general public, however to add insult to injury they were not eligible to apply for the €800/employee benefit like other sectors which had a similar or a lower reduction in activity. Respondents represented various sectors including health, education, development and financial services. In each of these groups there were professionals who suffered losses and have or are not considered eligible for support or compensation even though they have been contributing to the country’s economy like other sectors. MFPA calls for the government to take into account these facts reported by professionals and address them while fine tuning the measures announced on Monday. The scope of the incentives should be widened to include affected professionals. This statement is endorsed by member organisations of MFPA: Association of Podiatrists of Malta, Association of Speech-Language Pathologists, Chamber of Engineers, Dental Association of Malta, Kamra tal-Periti, Malta Association for the Counselling Profession, Medical Association of Malta, Malta Association of Occupational Therapists, Malta Association of Physiotherapists, Malta Association of Professional Conservators and Restorers, Maltese Association of Social Workers, Maltese Association of Youth Workers, Malta Chamber of Pharmacists, Malta Chamber of Psychologists, Malta Institute of Accountants, Malta Veterinary Association and Society of Medical Radiographers. MFPA 2nd survey Professionals once again ignored 12 June.docx

The Malta Federation of Professional Associations (MFPA) would like to voice its concern with regard to statements made on Sunday 31 May. Health authorities have been guiding us throughout these months to ensure the flattening of the curve of the Covid-19 pandemic and limit the number of cases and fatalities. They were very successful and Malta was even rated as one of the countries that best handled the pandemic. All of this instilled faith and full trust of the general public in the health authorities that the measures set were done in the best interest of public health. Current evidence by infection control experts shows that the risk of spreading the virus is still present. Based on the facts provided by experts, MFPA feels it is highly premature to state that Covid-19 is a thing of the past. Such a statement gives an illusion to the public and jeopardises the fruit of the measures and sacrifices that have been done. On 23 May MFPA issued a statement to express caution when relaxing certain measures. A strong economy is indeed important but this cannot be achieved without a healthy workforce. The country is equipped with the institutions and relevant entities to evaluate and take decisions in the best interest of society and these should be allowed to exercise their executive powers without interference. We witnessed a joint effort by the whole public who worked hand in hand with public health to abide by rules while learning to live in this new norm. Rules and legal notices were issued to protect everyone. MFPA believes that those found to have blatantly broken the law should not be exonerated from the respective fine. Anything short of this would be an affront to all the Health authorities who worked incessantly and to all front liners and healthcare workers who made huge sacrifices, often living away from their loved ones, to continue being of service to our country. This is an offence to the general public itself who made the sacrifice to stay inside and to businesses who suffered losses. In line with the previous statements issued by MFPA, once again we strongly appeal to the government to follow the advice of professionals, professional organisations and their expertise. It is also crucial that the public receives one unequivocal message and not conflicting ones from different authorities. Let us not jeopardise all the effort everyone has done to keep Malta safe. This statement is endorsed by member organisations of MFPA: Association of Podiatrists of Malta, Association of Speech-Language Pathologists, Chamber of Engineers, Dental Association of Malta, Kamra tal-Periti, Malta Association of Counselling for Professions, Medical Association of Malta, Malta Association of Occupational Therapists, Malta Association of Physiotherapists, Malta Association of Professional Conservators and Restorers, Maltese Association of Social Workers, Maltese Association of Youth Workers, Malta Chamber of Pharmacists, Malta Chamber of Psychologists, Malta Institute of Accountants, Malta Veterinary Association and Society of Medical Radiographers. MFPA PR – The public deserves one unequivocal message – 1 June.docx