Training Certificate Program in Group Relations Consulting

AKRI and GRI have jointly identified a set of core competencies that constitute the foundational learning for a qualified group relations consultant. Here is a description of these competencies.

To support new consultants in developing these competencies, both organizations have agreed to implement a joint Training Certificate Program in Group Relations Consulting. The program provides a structured, accessible pathway of experience and training for people newly interested in group relations work, culminating in a Certificate of Completion.

Program Components

Candidates for the Certificate must complete all five of the following components:

1.  Group Relations Conference Attendance

Attend as a member at no fewer than three full Group Relations Conferences. See Section 1 of this linked document for the criteria of a qualifying conference.

• At least two of the three conference experiences must be in-person.
• At least one of the in-person conferences must be residential, meaning members and staff room and board together at the conference venue for a minimum of five consecutive days.

2.  Small Group Consulting Training

Complete two training experiences in Small (Study) Group Consulting conducted from a Group Relations perspective. Sign up here for regular notices of events.

3.  Theoretical Foundations Course

Complete one didactic training or academic course focused on the theoretical underpinnings of Group Relations, as distinct from other models of group process.

4.  Additional GR Experience

Complete one additional training or experience involving GR work. Qualifying examples include, but are not limited to:

• Large Group training
• RAG (Review and Application Group) training
• Administrative or consulting role at a conference
• Experiential university course using a GR lens

5.  Senior Consultant References

From across your cumulative GR experiences, identify two senior GR consultants who are willing to speak about your work with a prospective conference director or sponsor.

(A “senior GR consultant” is defined as someone who has taken up a consulting role at a Group Relations conference on at least five separate occasions.)

Receiving the Certificate

Any candidate who has completed all five components is eligible to receive a Certificate of Completion of Training. To apply:

1. Complete the application form at here, including providing documentation or a brief description of each completed component.
2. Submit an administrative fee of $25.00.

Commitment to Access

Both AKRI and GRI are committed to ensuring that finances are not a barrier to accessing Group Relations experience and training. Toward that end:

• All events sponsored by either organization will offer registration discounts for those who need them.
• Candidates who require additional financial assistance beyond registration discounts may apply for support by contacting the administrators at AKRI or GRI directly.
• Members of historically disadvantaged or marginalized communities are especially encouraged to apply for assistance when needed.

Relationship to Conference Staffing

The jointly identified competencies will be shared with all conference directors hired or authorized by either organization, and directors are asked to consider them seriously in their staffing decisions.

The Certificate of Completion is one recognized way for a candidate to signal to a director that they have worked intentionally to acquire these competencies. It is not the only pathway — directors retain full authority over their hiring decisions.

Both organizations also ask all conference directors to commit to including at least one staff member who is new to consulting — defined as someone who has held a consulting role at no more than two previous conferences — in each conference they direct.