Launch of the Professional Card

Launch of the Professional Card in Malta by the Federation of Professional Associations

The Hon Chris Said, Parliamentary Secretary for Public Dialogue and Information within the Office of the Prime Minister congratulated the Malta Federation of Professional Association for being in the forefront in the field of Professionals by issuing the professional card. The Professional Card is a concept that is mentioned in the EU Directive 2005/36/EC on Professional Recognition. The Directive recognises the introduction of professional cards issued by professional associations or organisations which cards would facilitate the monitoring of the career development of professionals and support mobility and professional recognition across Europe.

The Card is intended to provide a simple tool to guarantee to whoever is concerned that the card holder is qualified to provide the specific services. It reflects that, the holder is an active member of the respective professional body, thereby ensuring adherence to a code of ethics and the provision of a quality service.

Over the past 5 years work has been carried out by different professional organisations across Europe in order to establish the framework that would govern the issue of professional cards. An important aspect was that the cards will be accepted across Europe while recognizing that the professional card cannot replace or overrule national legislation related to recognition of qualifications and the regulation of professions by their individual national competent authorities.

During the launch, the newly elected President of the Federation, Inġ Helga Pizzuto, announced that the next step planned is to take the card further by embarking in discussions with the competent authorities so that an electronic chip is introduced in the professional card holding the information as accepted by the respective competent authority and structured in a manner as agreed across European professional organisations. This way the professional card would be the electronic passport for the member within the member organisation for a freer movement of professionals within the EU. She explained how a number of professional organizations members in the Federation have also actively contributed to the work carried out at European level, and professional cards are being issued by more and more professional organisations.

On this occasion the Professional Card will be introduced in Malta by the Federation for six member associations and the Federation Council members out of the 14 member organizations affiliated in the Federation. The card is recognised by CEPLIS the European Association for the liberal professionals, and the Card will carry the CEPLIS logo. Dr Theodoros Koutroubas Director General of CEPLIS visited Malta specifically for the Launch. He commended the Federation for its work amongst the local professionals as well as its contribution on a European level.

The card has two sides. One side depicts the affiliation of the member organisation with the Federation and its affiliation with CEPLIS. The second side is the property of the member organisation and will have the emblem/logo of each member organisation and the name of the professional member of that organisation.

MALTA FEDERATION OF PROFESSIONAL ASSOCIATIONS

The idea to set up a professional centre in Malta where the various professions could meet and through various activities create the climate necessary for the development of an inter-disciplinary approach to their work was first aired in 1969 by Mr Roger Degiorgio, an eminent architect, when he mentioned this idea to Mr John Chadwick, Director of the Commonwealth Foundation, who gave immediate support to this concept. The notion was discussed with the various professional associations on the island and in 1970 seven professional organizations grouped together to become the Malta Federation which was formally constituted on the 19th February 1971, when the first official meeting was held. Since than, the Federation has moved on with currently 14 member organizations and actively working from its modern premises which serve as the Professional Centre in Gzira. Its still holds on to the original objective of creating the climate necessary for the development of an interdisciplinary approach to their work whilst maintaining their professional independence, professional standards and code of Ethics. It aims to promote the professions as a group and contribute towards the advancement of the interests of society.

The main administrative body of the Federation is made up of the Council of the Federation headed by Ing Helga Pizzuto, President, helped by Ms. Maryanne Ciappara, Vice President and Mr. Ben Rizzo – Vice President, Ms. Gertrude Buttigieg, Hon. Secretary and Dr. Paula Vassallo, Hon. Treasurer. Another 17 members represent their respective affiliated organization on the council. Further details on the MFPA may be found on www.mfpa.org.mt or contacting the office on 21312888.