Delta Brussels

Many organisations and impact networks in Europe are looking to address complex challenges that cannot be resolved through quick fixes and linear planning alone. Systems change offers ways to better understand these dynamics and work more effectively across organisations, sectors, and perspectives. The multitude of approaches can feel overwhelming. Where to start?

Delta Brussels provides an accessible entry point into the field of systems change. Over a three-hour online session followed by two in-person days, participants develop a foundational understanding of key concepts and language, while engaging in experiential and relational learning practices that help make these ideas tangible.

Delta Brussels is co-shaped by the cohort. In the online session, participants explore a range of systemic practices and identify which ones they want to focus on. Based on this, the facilitation team proposes a set of tools and frameworks to apply to real challenges during the course.

Delta Brussels prioritises breadth over depth. The aim is to help a wider group of practitioners from institutions and organisations in Brussels and beyond to explore the field, engage in collective sense-making, and begin integrating a systems change approach into their professional practice. A cohort with diverse professional backgrounds and work focus allows for a rich peer learning experience.

"The course gives you a glimpse of what’s possible when you think from a systemic lens and from a complexity approach, and grounds you in a live problem with foundational models and approaches to test and learn from and with."

Kate McKenzie, Delta alum

Programme Manager, Power to Change

Delta Brussels will support you to:

• Build a foundation in systems change concepts and language: Gain an introduction to key ideas and methodologies from across the field of systems change, helping you better understand and work with complexity.
• Engage with systems differently: Develop new ways of observing patterns, relationships, and dynamics in complex contexts, moving beyond linear cause-and-effect thinking.
• Practice applying at least three systems change tools and frameworks: Try out a curated set of tools and frameworks selected by the facilitation team based on the current needs of the cohort, and experience how they can be used to support collaborative sense-making.
• Apply learning to real-life cases right away: Work in peer learning groups to explore live challenges brought by participants, using systems change tools and frameworks to better understand the dynamics at play.
• Learn alongside a cohort of practitioners working on complex challenges: Exchange perspectives with peers from different sectors and contexts, enrich your ideas with out-of-the-box thinking, and find community within diversity.
• Reflect on how to apply systems thinking in your work: Leave with practical entry points for integrating a systems change approach into your projects, partnerships, and strategy processes.

Working on real challenges together

A core part of Delta Brussels is the opportunity to work in peer learning groups and apply systems change tools and frameworks to real-life cases brought by participants. 

Previous cohorts have worked on challenges such as:

• Changing arts policy across museums, galleries, and heritage sites in the UK to better support people with disabilities and access needs

• Developing place-based approaches to transforming the food system in the Mediterranean basin

• Supporting refugee children to learn in new ways after the pandemic

• Improving road safety in Kenya

• Strengthening mental health support for queer youth in Switzerland

• Embedding sustainability at the core of business transformation

Is Delta for me?

Delta Brussels is designed for professionals working with complex challenges who want practical ways to better understand and engage with the systems they are part of.

It may be particularly useful for people working in:

• EU institutions and related European bodies

• NGOs and civil society organisations

• Mission-driven businesses

• Philanthropy and foundations

• Networks and coalitions working across organisations and sectors

• Organisations involved in policy, advocacy, or systems-level change

You do not need prior experience with systems thinking. Delta is designed as an accessible entry point for people who are curious about systems change and want to start exploring what systems approaches could look like in their field.

Who else will be on the course?

We aim for a cohort of around 20 participants representing a diversity of professional contexts, perspectives, and lived experiences.

"The exchange opportunities were amazing and great. The groups were dynamic and lively. The cohort is a bunch of wonderful people."

Ash Goddard, Delta alum

Director & facilitator, Climate Clarity CIC

Delta Brussels is hosted by experienced systems practitioners from the School of System Change, bringing experience across diverse international contexts.

Producer & Visual Facilitator

Delta Brussels combines an online introduction session with two days of in-person learning in Brussels, creating space to get to know the cohort in advance and make the most of the time together.

In the first session, participants explore a range of systemic practices and identify which ones they want to focus on. Based on this, the facilitation team proposes a set of tools and frameworks to apply to real challenges during the course.

Course dates

• Tue 16 June, 15:00-18:00 CEST • Online, 3 hours
  • Meet the cohort and facilitators. Get familiar with key systems change concepts and approaches. Influence the focus of this cohort. Meet your peer learning group.
• Tue 23 & Wed 24 June, 10:00-18:00 CEST • In person in Brussels, venue TBC
  • Explore and apply systems change tools and frameworks. Work in peer groups on real-life challenges. Integrate your learning and reflect on how to apply systems thinking in your work. Coffee breaks and lunch will be provided on both days.

How we host

Delta sessions emphasise interactive, facilitated learning. Each session includes:

• Exploration of systems change concepts through reflection and discussion in pairs, small groups, and with the full cohort
• Hands-on work with tools and frameworks, including dedicated time to apply them to real challenges, ask questions, and explore how they work in practice
• Case studies showing how different systems approaches have been used to support real change processes
• Cohort learning and reflection, creating space to exchange perspectives and learn from each other’s contexts and experiences

"Delta is a great basis for further exploration. I definitely want to learn more. Everyone needs to start thinking in systems!"

Steve Curati, Delta alum

Director, DIAS Creative

"The course definitely helped to put things that we might already do into words, to make it possible to talk about and also to make sure that our unconscious thoughts are actually rooted in real models and methods that can be very helpful. I would also love my colleagues to take part, so that we have more of a shared language."

Delta alum

Not sure if Delta Brussels is right for you? Join the Delta team for a 45-minute information session to learn more about the course content and get all your questions answered:

• 28 April 2026, 09:30-10:15 CEST
• 13 May 2026, 17:30-18:15 CEST

FAQ

We seek to create safe and brave spaces for participants from different backgrounds and lived experience to engage in learning together. We acknowledge the power and responsibility we hold in our role as a convenor and learning provider, placing multiple ways of knowing and awareness of difference as fundamental design principles in our programmes.

Read more about our commitment and journey around equity and difference here.

Accessibility needs

If you will need additional support for your wellbeing or access needs, then please let the team know as soon as possible, so we can factor this into our session design. You can let us know in the application form or email us at [email protected] - we are happy to arrange a call to discuss how we can support your learning. Our producer, Ruslan, will also be on hand throughout the course if you have any questions or concerns to raise.

Full Rate: €960 
For people in countries with strong economies, larger organisations and well-paid professionals. Your registration will support others to participate. This rate reflects the true cost of the course.

Middle Rate: €840 
For people in countries with moderate economies, small organisations (fewer than 10 employees) and individuals.

Discounted Rate: €720
For people in need of financial assistance to support their learning. Only a few discounted rate slots are allocated to each cohort.

If you are unsure which rate applies to you or you have any questions, please reach out to Ruslan at [email protected].

Complete the application form by Thu 19 May 2026 at 23:59 CEST.

We review applications on a rolling basis for enrollment. We’ll get in touch in a couple of days upon submission.

Apply

Are you interested in speaking with one of our team to answer any specific questions you may have? Please send us an email at [email protected].