Introduction

EuropeanFunds.info is in the business of training and consultancy for stakeholders of EU funds across the EU-27. Its objective is to provide optimal solutions to the stakeholders of EU-funded activities, using the significant leverage of experience within the public authorities for the programming, project selection, implementation, monitoring, reporting, evaluation and management verifications of EU-funded operations. The target audience mainly includes public officers in the field of EU-funds management coming from public ministries, departments, authorities, entities in all Member States. Since 2015, over 1800 persons have attended the Institute’s courses, from 25 countries.

 

Vision and Mission

 

Vision:   To make EU funding understandable and attainable

 

 

Mission: Delivering simple, practical solutions to officers involved in the management and control of EU-funded programmes, through experience, well-researched and surprisingly enjoyable training events.

 

Key Success Factors

1. Relevance to current market practices and knowledge

2. Application of knowledge to real-life situations

3. Personal experience, in which each participant feels appreciated and valued

4. Sharing of experience in a 360-degree approach, and not top-bottom

5. Value for money

 

Organisational Structure

 

EuropeanFunds.info is primarily driven by its founders, Raymond Bartolo and Trevor Fenech, who have extensive experience in managing EU Structural and Cohesion Funds in Malta. They established the company in 2015 to provide practical, hands-on training for practitioners in this specialized field. The company focuses on delivering training courses across Europe on the management, control, and audit of EU-funded programs. Previously, it also offered advisory and project management services, now handled by its sister company, Advisory.mt.

 

Head of Training Institution

Current Head of the training institution: Trevor Fenech

 

Programme Development Unit

Current members of the Programme Development Unit: Trevor Fenech and Ray Bartolo

 

The Programme Development Unit is in charge to develop and design a training calendar which includes topics that are in demand, and relevant to the market. The unit undertakes ongoing research on the topics related to EU-Funds management and control, including but not limited to developments in the legislative and regulatory packages of the EU-funded programmes and the publication of guidelines and roadmaps by the European Commission. The Unit procedures are further explained in section 4.2 Policy for the design and development of course programmes.

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Tuition Staff Unit

Current resident experts: Trevor Fenech and Ray Bartolo

 

All resident speakers at EuropeanFunds.info Training Institute must have at least an MQF Level 7 qualification in a relevant subject. The Programme Development Unit invites guest and resident speakers, ensuring they are knowledgeable about relevant laws and guidelines.

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Quality Assurance Unit

Current Quality Assurance Manager: Katya Bartolo Lautier

 

The Quality Assurance Unit ensures compliance with the National Quality Assurance Framework and oversees quality assurance across the training institute. The Quality Assurance Manager leads this unit, ensuring adherence to internal quality procedures.

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Standards for internal quality assurance policy for quality assurance

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EuropeanFunds.info aims to deliver relevant educational content by designing, validating, and periodically reviewing its programs. This process involves staff contributions, feedback from participants and public organizations, and research. The institute ensures its programs meet market expectations, maintain original content, and prevent academic fraud, demonstrating a commitment to stakeholder engagement in training development and review.

 

Policy for the selection of subjects to be developed into study programmes

To ensure courses remain relevant and address evolving needs, the Institution actively identifies opportunities for new course development. This is based on a combination of two methodologies:

 

a.  Reviewing student feedback

b.  Complementing participant feedback with expert insights

 

Policy for the design and development of course programmes

Europeanfunds.info is committed to delivering innovative training programs for public authorities on EU funds management. This commitment extends to a rigorous course development process that ensures participants gain the knowledge, skills, and practical understanding needed to effectively manage EU funds. The key steps involved in creating a Europeanfunds.info training programme are:

 

a.  Topic Identification and Research

b.  Course Content Development

c.  Learning Objectives

d.  Course Structure

e.  Quality Assurance

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Policy for the validation of course programmes

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Every course programme designed and developed at EuropeanFunds.info must be validated by the Programme Validation Team. This will ensure that:

• all courses delivered are according to the quality standards required by the Institution;

• quality assurances processes have been followed and are appropriate for both internal and audit purposes;

• course programmes are responsive to the EU market needs;

• all programmes being offered are valid; and

• all available resources to the Institution are being optimally used.

 

Policy for the delivery of programmes

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Europeanfunds.info is committed to fostering a stimulating and interactive learning environment that goes beyond simply imparting knowledge. It recognizes that true comprehension and skill development are best achieved through active participation and a collaborative atmosphere.

 

Policy for the assessment of participants

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This policy ensures the reliability and validity of assessments in an educational institution, promoting consistency, fairness, and transparency. It aligns assessments with intended learning outcomes, ensuring they accurately measure students' knowledge and skills. Key principles include validity, reliability, transparency, fairness, and constructive feedback. Quality procedures involve reviewing assessment briefs and decisions through sampling, moderation, and double marking to maintain high standards. The policy emphasizes clear communication of assessment criteria, equitable opportunities for all students, and continuous improvement based on feedback and review processes.

 

Policy for the periodic review

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a.  Periodic Review Cycle

At EuropeanFunds.info, course programme review is an ongoing process, conducted at least every six months. This review evaluates programme effectiveness, assesses learning outcomes, and incorporates feedback from participants, staff, and external stakeholders. It aims to improve programme structure, address weaknesses, and ensure timely updates, especially for volatile topics like EU regulations.

 

b.  Feedback system

 

The Training Institute Feedback System is composed of three, equally important tools:

 

• Feedback Forms and the Feedback Database

• One-to-one informal feedback from participants

• Training post-mortem meetings

 

Policy for ensuring academic integrity and deter academic fraud

​EuropeanFunds.info is dedicated to maintaining high standards of integrity for both tutors and participants. The institute emphasizes original material based on first-hand research and practical experience. The Quality Assurance Unit checks presentations for integrity breaches before courses begin. Assessments are designed to minimize opportunities for misconduct, with supervised tests and presentations ensuring originality. Plagiarism-detection software is used, and consequences for cheating or plagiarism vary based on severity, including reduced marks, disciplinary action, or retaking assessments under stricter conditions.

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Policy against intolerance of any kind or discrimination against students or members of staff

​The Institute is dedicated to maintaining a discrimination and harassment-free work environment. It prohibits any form of discrimination or harassment based on race, color, religion, sex, national origin, citizenship, age, sexual orientation, disability, marital status, or any other legally protected characteristic. This policy applies to all interactions within the workplace, during courses, on business, or at Institute-sponsored events.

 

Sexual harassment, including inappropriate comments, jokes, suggestive materials, unwelcome advances, and quid pro quo propositions, is strictly prohibited. Managers and tutors are responsible for ensuring a respectful environment and addressing any issues promptly.

 

Claims of discrimination or harassment are investigated thoroughly, with appropriate disciplinary actions taken. Victims are encouraged to report incidents to course coordinators or managers, and all complaints will be handled with sensitivity and confidentiality.

 

Institutional Probity

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EuropeanFunds.info is operated by ef.Info Ltd, a private limited company registered with the Malta Financial Services Authority since October 2014.

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Student-centred learning, teaching and assessment

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The feedback system at EuropeanFunds.info provides detailed insights into tutor performance and course quality. Participants rate sessions and courses using a 5-point Likert scale. The Quality Assurance team analyzes this feedback, aiming for over 70% positive responses. If a speaker or course falls below this benchmark, improvements are required, or engagements may be terminated. The system ensures high-quality interaction, a conducive learning environment, knowledgeable speakers, and up-to-date training materials.

 

Participant Complaints Procedure

​EuropeanFunds.info provides a high-quality educational experience with excellent academic and administrative support. Feedback is encouraged.. Complaints are seen as a vital part of their quality assurance and are encouraged to be resolved informally first. Mismanaged expectations can also lead to complaints.

 

EuropeanFunds.info handles complaints by adhering to principles of fairness, impartiality, effectiveness, and timeliness. Complaints are taken seriously and can be made without fear of victimization. The procedure is clear, accessible, and well-publicized. If a mistake is made, an apology and corrective action will follow. Complaints are monitored and analyzed to address root causes, and actions taken are reported.

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Student admission, progression, recognition and certification

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EuropeanFunds.info's admissions process involves four steps:

1. Promotion: Marketing and promotion through mainstream channels.

2. Enrolment: Prospective participants register online, providing personal and professional details. Multiple applicants can apply per submission.

3. Acknowledgement of Enrolment: An automated email confirms registration, and the administration office verifies compliance with entry requirements.

4. Invoicing and Payment: The finance controller prepares invoices, with payment due by the first course day

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Entry Requirements: Participants need at least six months of executive experience in relevant departments and verbal English proficiency. They should have basic knowledge of their roles and a level of academic or experiential achievement suitable for Level 5/6 students.

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Recognition and Certification: Certificates of achievement are awarded to those meeting the minimum pass mark and attending 80% of sessions. Certificates of participation are given to those who do not meet the pass mark. Non-accredited courses provide certificates of attendance for 80% session attendance. All data and results are recorded and communicated to participants.

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​Competence of teaching staff

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Teaching staff at EuropeanFunds.info must have at least five years of experience in managing EU-funding programs and a minimum Level 7 post-graduate qualification in relevant fields. They should possess strong knowledge in subjects related to EU funding. Recruitment focuses on these criteria, along with personal qualities, including integrity and presentation skills.

 

The Programme Development Unit invites guest and resident speakers, ensuring they have practical experience and knowledge of relevant laws and regulations. The Directors maintain close relationships with local and international experts to recruit competent speakers.

 

​Learning resources and student support

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EuropeanFunds.info holds its training courses at prominent four or five-star hotels in Malta,. These venues offer high-quality service and facilities, including projection equipment, whiteboards, comfortable seating, Wi-Fi, and administrative support.

 

The programs often feature a one-day expedition around Malta or Gozo to provide practical insights into EU-funded projects. Training materials are distributed on USBs, and printouts are provided during sessions.

 

EuropeanFunds.info ensures accessibility for all students, providing accessible learning spaces and digital resources compatible with assistive technologies.

 

Information Management

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Data collection and analysis are important for the constant improvement of the Institute’s programme. The Quality Assurance Unit is responsible for managing this information.

 

Subscription and Contact List

Formal Registration

Feedback and Evaluation

Database Access and Storage

GDPR Compliance

 

This structured approach helps the Institute tailor its programmes to meet the needs of its niche market effectively.

 

Public information

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Public information at EuropeanFunds.info is mostly based online on the Institute’s website portal www.europeanfunds.info. It also shares public information through email campaigns and social media posts. They also offer an online chat service for prospective students to get detailed information and assistance.

 

Information Dissemination:

• Public information is available on the website and through email campaigns and social media.

• An online chat service connects participants with the team for further details and assistance.

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Accuracy and Relevance:

• The Head and Director ensure all published information is accurate, relevant, and comprehensive.

• The Institute maintains close ties with the market and participants to keep information up-to-date.

 

Regular Review and Transparency:

• Public information is regularly reviewed and updated.

• User feedback is actively solicited to improve information quality.

• Significant changes are communicated transparently through email notifications and updates on the website and social media.

 

On-going monitoring and periodic review of programmes

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As described in earlier sections, EuropeanFunds.info implements quality assurance procedures to monitor and periodically review its programmes in terms of their IQA policy and standards. The objectives of this exercise shall be to ensure that they achieve the objectives set for them, to review the content of the programme in the light of latest research/practice in the sector to ensure that the programme is up to date, and to respond to the changing needs of students and society.

 

Cyclical external quality assurance

EuropeanFunds.info shall undergo external quality assurance by, or with the approval of MFHEA on a cyclical basis according to MFHEA guidelines, once every five years.

 

Following every external quality assurance audit report, Euroepanfunds.info is committed to incorporate the valuable recommendations within the institution. The identified areas for improvement will refine the courses delivered and the process involved in delivering such courses. By integrating these enhancements, the Institution will ensure that its courses continuously adapt to best practices and address any identified shortcomings.