When it comes to social care, one question matters more than anything: is this service safe, properly run and accountable?In Malta, that’s exactly what the Social Care Standards Authority (SCSA) is there to ensure and licensing is one of its strongest tools.Licensing isn’t a one-off tick box. It’s an ongoing commitment to quality and safeguarding. Through its Licensing Unit, the SCSA monitors whether services continue to meet national requirements. When standards are met, licences are renewed. When serious issues are found, the Authority can step in, including suspending or terminating licences, to protect vulnerable people.The figures from 2025 show just how active this work is. That year, the SCSA re-issued 177 licences after compliance assessments. It also suspended 19 licences due to regulatory breaches. At the same time, the Authority issued 7 new licences, along with 2 temporary licences and 4 emergency licences to meet urgent service needs. In total, more than 41,000 people benefit from services delivered through licensed social welfare services.These numbers tell a clear story: a system that supports improvement, but doesn’t shy away from action when it matters. Because licensing is ultimately about public trust, making sure every service operating in Malta does so responsibly, transparently and in the best interests of the people it serves.And the work doesn’t stop there. The SCSA continues to refine its future strategy to keep up with an evolving sector, including developments in the disability field such as deinstitutionalisation, personal assistance services and new or updated legislation. It also recognises how closely social care connects with other areas, including domestic violence, children and families.Got feedback or ideas on where standards can make the biggest difference? The SCSA encourages the public and sector stakeholders to share input via info.scsa@org.mt.Tag someone you know is interested•