Technical competency gaps and proficiency levels within the Malta customs department : a case study

Abstract

This study aims to serve as a departure point in addressing a call for a holistic system in staff development in the Malta Customs Department Business Strategy 2017-2019. It was undertaken as a means of identifying gaps in competencies and proficiency levels in the current setup of the Malta Customs Department (MCD). These being inherently a consequence of the available training strategy, the study looks into any deficiencies, proceeding to seek viable mitigation measures. The EU Customs Competency Framework (EUCCFW) derives from the international WCO PICARD standard, however developed with an additional EU element intended to bring about uniform application of EU customs regulations. The study determines that EUCCFW is a suitable HR development framework for an EU customs administration, in the absence of an adequate domestic framework. With regards to proficiency levels in competencies, the research relies on operational personnel self-assessment, moderated through a counter assessment by superiors. Similarly, an assessment of the MCD training provision was gathered from the two respondent groups. An interview with the director in charge of training finds overdue deficiencies and envisaged mitigating factors. Interlocutions with two small EU customs administrations and DG TAXUD, responsible for the EUCCFW were engaged for comparability and to gauge the level of buy-in by other MS. The above research confirmed a dearth of adequate training within the MCD, resulting in the MCD focusing resources on the most necessary customs competencies at the basic proficiency levels. It also transpired that the MCD is eventually planning on engaging the EUCCFW in the near future.