Cap. 468 Art. 2Interpretation.

In this Act, unless the context otherwise requires:

''adaptation period'' means a period during which a person may exercise the profession of social work in Malta under the supervision of a registered social worker, which period may include the provision of such further training to such person, as may be required by the Board, at the end of which an assessment shall be carried out; ''Board'' means the Malta Social Work Profession Board established by article 4; ''evidence of formal qualifications'' shall have the same meaning as assigned to it by the Recognition of Professional Qualifications

Regulations; ''higher education qualification'' shall have the same meaning assigned to it by the Mutual Recognition of Higher Education Qualifications in the European Region Regulations;

''Minister'' means the Minister responsible for social welfare; ''practise'' in relation to the profession of social work, includes:

(a) the taking up or pursuit of the profession of social work; and

(b) the right to use, in the course of such pursuit, the profession of a warrant, or the professional title of "Registered Social Worker", or the designatory letters "RSW", or the professional title of "Social Worker" followed by the warrant number; ''prescribed'' means prescribed by regulations made by the Minister under this Act; ''proficiency test'' means a test having the aim of assessing a person’s ability to pursue the profession of social work in Malta, as may be required by the Board in accordance with the provisions of this Act; ''recognised degree in social work'' means the Honours Degree in Social Work issued by the University of Malta or issued by the Malta College of Arts, Science and Technology or the f or mal acknowledgment by the Board of the value of a higher education qualification held by the applicant with a view to allowing him to gain access to and pursue in Malta the social work profession; ''registered social worker'' means a person who is in possession of a warrant to practise the profession of social work obtained in accordance with article 6 and is registered in the official register of warranted social workers kept by the Board;

''social work'' means a practice-based profession and an academic discipline that promotes social change and development, social cohesion, and the empowerment and liberation of people. Principles of social justice, human rights, collective responsibility and respect for diversities are central to social work. Underpinned by theories of social work, social sciences, humanities and indigenous knowledge, social work engages people and structures to address life challenges and enhance wellbeing;

''social worker'' means a person who is in possession of a warrant to practise the profession of social work obtained in accordance with article 6 and is registered in the official register of registered social workers, or is in possession of a recognised degree in social work and is practising the profession of social work under the supervision of a registered social worker; ''warrant'' means a warrant, issued under article 6.