Developing Across Differences: Global Diversity, Equity & Inclusion Benchmark Method
For over 30 years, the Global Diversity, Equity & Inclusion Benchmarks (GDEIB) have been a global standard for linking D&I investment to sustainable outcomes that benefit stakeholders and the bottom line. Led by GDEIB Co-Author and practitioner Nene Molefi, this 2-day course shows you how to use this free tool to drive measurable D&I change, using real workplace examples and lessons you can apply in your context—whether you’re new to GDEIB or experienced, in-house or consulting, local or globally distributed.
Why should you attend?
Too often, an organization’s D&I efforts remain fragmented or performative, overly people-focused, or disconnected from business strategy and measurable outcomes. Misaligned roles, unchecked assumptions, and missed early “warning signals”—such as neglecting key relationships, overlooking internal politics and power dynamics, or approaching stakeholders in ways that hinder collaboration—can stall initiatives, trigger resistance, and reduce impact. Poor preparation can also lead to a “false start,” where initial hype quickly fades and trust becomes harder to rebuild.
The GDEIB offers a systemic, coordinated alternative, linking D&I to all areas of the organisation to support a comprehensive, sustainable strategy.
In this 2-day course, you will learn to use the GDEIB as a practical roadmap for D&I strategy, governance, and implementation. Through real-world examples and case-based exercises, you will examine good practice, identify common pitfalls, and learn how to address them early—while strengthening the case for D&I through outcomes beyond people and culture metrics.
Practical information
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Dates
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7 - 8 July 2026
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Location
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Academy Building (Broerstraat 5) or Harmonie Building (Oude Kijk in Het Jatstraat 26)
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Level
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PhD/Postdoc/Practitioners May be appropriate for some MA students; contact the organisers for consultation about eligibility |
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Fees
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€ 1050 (until early-bird deadline, 14 February 2026) € 1125 (after early-bird deadline, 14 February 2026)
The fee includes course and materials, optional evening programming
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Academic coordinators
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Nene Molefi |
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Contact |
ic rug.nl or info iddifferences.org |
Requirements
Participant profile
This course is for you if you are an internal or external DEI or HR officer/practitioner/advisor/consultant who:
● Leads or supports D&I strategies, initiatives, or governance structures;
● Advises leaders, HR, or project teams on D&I-related decisions and priorities;
● Uses, or plans to use, a comprehensive approach to guide D&I work in your organization(s).
This course is equally suitable for GDEIB Certified Practitioners and for those who are new to the GDEIB or already using it without (yet) pursuing official certification.
Contact the organisers at ic rug.nl or info iddifferences.org if you have questions about the suitability of this course for your circumstances.
Level requirements
The DAD is for multipliers who help individuals, organizations and societies better recognize, appreciate and use differences as a way of better communicating, working and thriving together.
These are (in-house and external) trainers, educators, consultants, coaches, researchers, scholars, facilitators, HR staff, advanced-level (MA+) students, and professional development specialists with 5+ years of experience/study in the greater Differences field. Contact the organisers at ic rug.nl or info iddifferences.org for consultation about appropriateness and eligibility.
It is expected that the participants have a sufficient command of the English language to actively participate in the discussions and to present their own work in English.
Course schedule
Course schedule
Monday, 6 July
15.00-18.00 Optional networking event
Tuesday, 7 July - Wednesday, 8 July
09.00-17.30
Learning approach
This course combines expert input with case-based learning and hands-on application. You’ll work with the GDEIB tool, analyse real workplace examples, practise diagnosing pitfalls and “warning signals,” and leave with a roadmap you can adapt to your context.
Learning outcomes
In this course, you will learn how to:
1. Clarify the roles, responsibilities, and boundaries of D&I practitioner leaders — whether as in-house specialist or external advisors.
2. Use the (free) GDEIB method and tool as a strategic roadmap to connect D&I efforts to broader organizational priorities and outcomes.
3. Design GDEIB-informed DEI strategies, assessments, and action plans that are realistic, inclusive, and sustainable, and draw on good practice examples to articulate and evidence the return on investment (ROI) of D&I work.
4. Identify frequent pitfalls and risk factors in projects using the GDEIB and detect early "warning signs” to mitigate risks before they undermine progress.
Workload
12 hours of in-class learning and active participation using experiential methods.
Upon successful completion of the programme, the Summer School offers a Certificate of Attendance that mentions the workload of 12 hours (28 hours corresponds to 1 ECTS). Students can apply for recognition of these credits to the relevant authorities in their home institutions, therefore the final decision on awarding credits is at the discretion of their home institutions. We will be happy to provide any necessary information that might be requested in addition to the certificate of attendance.
Application procedure
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Deadline for application
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Early bird registration closes on 14 February 2026.
Regular registration closes on 3 May 2026. Late registration closes on 1 July 2026. |
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Date of selection
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Within 72 hours following registration, you will be contacted directly by the organisers about your application. |
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Application
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Participants submit payment and details about their interest at the link below (click the "Apply now!" button). They will be contacted directly by the organisers about their experience and the suitability of the course.
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Please note that as all courses are subject to meeting minimum enrolments, the DAD team will confirm on or before 19 May 2026 that your course is taking place. We strongly advise you not to book non-refundable travel until you have received this confirmation. In all cases, refunds for courses are not available except in the case of course cancellation by the DAD organisers. In the case that your preferred course is cancelled, you are welcomed to enroll in an alternative course or request a refund. You will be notified on or before 19 May 2026 if the DAD course is cancelled. This policy is different from that of other University of Groningen Summer School and Language Centre courses. Full details are available on the Developing Across Differences (DAD) Learning Lab & Community Week Terms and Conditions page.
