Ms Miriam Portelli has been appointed as Head of the Safeguarding Commission. Ms Portelli succeeds Ms Loraine Borg Cassar, who had served in this role since the Commission was established.

The Diocese of Gozo said that Ms Borg Cassar had requested to step down from her role as Head of the Commission at the beginning of 2025 due to family reasons and other commitments. She had been asked to remain in the role until a successor was appointed.

While welcoming Ms Miriam Portelli and wishing her every success in her new role, the Diocese of Gozo expressed its recognition and gratitude to Ms Borg Cassar for her professional work and dedication in the formation and leadership of the Safeguarding Commission, in the interest of protecting minors and vulnerable persons. The Diocese also thanked her for her continued availability to assist the Commission.

Miriam Portelli graduated as a teacher and has served in various primary schools over the past 31 years. She also held the position of Literacy Resource Leader within the National Literacy Agency in Gozo. More recently, she served as Senior Executive within the FSWS Gozo Directorate.

Throughout the years, Miriam has also carried out voluntary work as a catechist within the Girls’ MUSEUM Centre in Victoria, as well as with groups of adolescents on their journey towards the Sacrament of Confirmation at the Parish of St George.

Currently, together with her husband Michael, she assists engaged couples in their preparation for the Sacrament of Marriage at the same parish. She also presently contributes to the 10K formation journey at the Don Bosco Oratory.

The Diocese of Gozo has also appointed Dr Theresien Mizzi to join Ms Francine Farrugia Magrin on the Investigation and Assessment Team of the Safeguarding Commission. This team is responsible for investigating reports received by the Commission.

The Safeguarding Commission of the Diocese of Gozo also has an Advisory Board made up of professionals who assess the reports submitted by the Investigation and Assessment Team. The members of the Board are Dr Chantelle Azzopardi, Dr Michael Galea, Ms Pauline Grech, Dr Simon Mifsud and Ms Marie Claude Xerri.

The Safeguarding Commission also includes a team of psychologists and counsellors who provide support to alleged victims and their families. This section is headed by Dr Marlene Cauchi.

The Commission’s legal consultant is Dr Stanley Joe Portelli, while its Call Centre is coordinated by Ms Marie Claude Xerri.

Photo: Diocese of Gozo

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