Appointment of Chief Executive Officer for the Social Welfare Development Programme

The Foundation for Social Welfare Services has appointed Mr. Joe Gerada as Chief Executive Officer for the Social Welfare Development Programme (SWDP). SWDP is an agency of the Foundation and falls within the portfolio of the Ministry for Social Policy. Mr. Gerada is joining SWDP from the Island Hotels Group, where he served as Human Resources Manager for the Radisson SAS Bay Point Resort and Group Human Resources Manager for the same Company.

Joe Gerada brings with him experience and training in both Social Work and Management, having occupied various posts in parastatal and private companies. Mr. Gerada acted as Chief Executive Officer for the Employment and Training Corporation, following which he was responsible for the setting up of the national agency against drug and alcohol abuse sedqa, where he served as CEO for a number of years.

SWDP has been in existence since 1994 and is intended to proliferate professional social work services on the islands. During the past five years, SWDP has managed to specialise and diversify its services to address a host of social needs. Of notable mention are the Child Protective Services Unit, the Domestic Violence Unit, the Community Development Unit, the Family Therapy Service and the Supportline 179. SWDP also delivers services in areas such as fostering, children's support, mental health, disability and older persons.

Currently, Mr. Gerada is also the Chairperson of "Suriet il-Bniedem" an NGO which provides shelter to persons in social housing needs.

Mr. Gerada is married to Vicky and has a son, Jurgen.