Diversity, Inclusion and Team Working Flashcards
What is diversity and inclusion, and why is it important in the workplace?
Diversity refers to recognising, respecting, and valuing differences between individuals, including race, gender, age, religion, and background. Inclusion ensures that all individuals feel valued, respected, and have equal opportunities. It is important in the workplace as it fosters innovation, improves decision-making, and creates a positive and supportive environment.
How does RICS promote diversity and inclusion within the profession?
RICS promotes diversity and inclusion through policies, guidance, and initiatives such as the RICS Inclusive Employer Quality Mark (IEQM). It encourages firms to adopt inclusive workplace practices, ensuring fairness in hiring, career progression, and equal opportunities for all members.
Can you explain what non-discriminatory practices are and how they apply to your role?
Non-discriminatory practices ensure that individuals are treated fairly regardless of personal characteristics such as age, gender, race, or disability. In my role, this means ensuring that recruitment, promotions, and client interactions are based on merit and free from bias, aligning with RICS’ ethical standards and Equality Act 2010.
What Rule of Conduct relates to diversity and inclusion?
Rule 4
What were the changes following The Bichard RICS Review (2022)?
The Bichard Review reviewed the governance and purpose of the RICS, aiming to address criticisms and improve the institution’s trustworthiness, transparency and future.
Focus on Diversity and Inclusion – more diverse leadership teams at RICS, more efforts to promote D&I to be seen as an attractive career path for underrepresented groups, regularly report on D&I and ensuring measurable improvements.
Governance Reforms – create an independent Board to oversee governance and provide more transparency.
Public Oversight – involving non-RICS professionals into decision-making to restore public confidence.
Can you explain the RICS Code of Conduct Rule 4 and how it relates to diversity and inclusion in the workplace?
Rule 4 – focusing on promoting equality, diversity and inclusion in the workplace by avoiding discrimination and promoting inclusive environments.
The rule ensure diversity is a professional priority.
What is the significance of the Equality Act 2010 in the workplace, and how does it promote diversity and inclusion?
Equality Act (2010) – this legally protects individuals from discrimination based on protected characteristics: age, gender, race, disability and religion
Can you give an example of how the Equality Act has influenced a policy or procedure in your workplace?
Why is it important to promote diversity and inclusion when working on a team project?
Enhances creativity and problem-solving – bringing together different viewpoints/experiences.
Creates a collaborative culture – higher engagement and better outcomes on projects.
How does teamworking within a diverse team help in providing better client service, particularly in a sector like commercial real estate?
Provides better client service by bringing together a range of perspectives, leading to more innovative solutions.
In Real Estate this is important because clients come from all backgrounds and have different needs/expectations. A diverse team is better equipped to understand and meet these requirements, enhancing client experience
What is the RICS doing to improve Diversity and Inclusion?
RICS has recruited Diversity, Equality and Inclusion panel chairs following The Bichard Review (2022).
The RICS have a Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Strategy 2024-2025 – to improve DEI within the organisation and throughout the membership = done through leadership and events, partnerships and engagements and learning and development.
What are the advantages of collaborative work?
Knowledge sharing – teamwork allows professionals to share expertise, improving problem-solving and decision-making
Innovation and creativity – different solutions leads to more creative solutions and innovative approaches
Improved client service
Professional development – working with others allows for learning and skill enhancement through exposure to different experiences
Risk reduction – collaboration ensured that multiple professionals review work, reducing errors and improving accuracy
What are non-discriminatory practice in the workplace?
Equal Opportunities
Inclusive Recruitment
Fair Pay & Benefits
Anti-Harassment Policies
Reasonable Adjustments
D&I Training
Anonymous Reporting Mechanisms
Flexible Working Policies
How do you promote collaborative work within your team?
I promote collaborative work by maintaining open communication, actively listening to team members, and encouraging knowledge sharing. I ensure everyone has a voice in decision-making processes and support my colleagues in achieving shared goals.
