Diversity, Inclusion and Teamworking

Question 1

What has the RICS said on diversity?

Answer 1

Diversity and inclusion is a business imperative for attracting top talent into organisation

Important that all companies embody inclusive practices that embrace all the nine protected characteristics under the UK’s Equality Act 2010

Question 2

What are the nine protected characteristics under the UK’s Equality Act 2010?

Answer 2

1. Gender reassignment
2. Sex
3. Sexual Orientation
4. Age
5. Disability
6. Race
7. Religion or belief
8. Marriage and partnership
9. Pregnancy and maternity

Question 3

How can team recognize the value of diversity and inclusion and incorporate them?

Answer 3

1. Appropriate policies underpinned by suitable values
2. Recruitment techniques which recognise and address unconscious biases
3. Communication which is inclusive rather than discriminatory
4. Practices exceeding legal requirements under the Equality Act 2010
5. Training programmes aimed at increasing awareness around diversity and inclusive and reducing the influence of unconscious bias

Question 4

Unconscious Bias?

Answer 4

Relates to the associations we hold that are deeply ingrained and outside of our conscious awareness or control

These associations are influenced by attitudes formed form our experiences, during our upbringing and education, an the environments in which we work and live

Everyone has unconscious bias - they can be assessed through Implicity Assumptions Testing

Unconscious biases can affect how we interact with colleagues, clients and suppliers - positive actions need to be taken to ensure that these biases do not adversely prejudice people

Question 5

How to tackle unconscious bias?

Answer 5

Involve more than one person in the decision making process

Raise awareness about unconscious bias in the workplace

In recruitment situations, remove all unnecessary information from the process

Peer review

Question 6

What is the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU)

Answer 6

Signed by RICS and other built environment bodies - RIBA

Intended to create a more diverse, equitable and inclusive sector in order to be more representative of the society it serves

MoU requires organisations to determine reasons for poor performance in this area through data collection and education

Bichard Review highlighted the need to improve diversity and exclusivity in decisions and actions relating to its own governance

Question 7

What are some key skills for effective team-working?

Answer 7

Listening - to other peoples ideas

Discussing - team members to ask questions and interact

Persuading - individuals to consider their positions

Respect - treating team members with respect and support their ideas

Helping - to encourage teamwork

Sharing - information to create a positive team environment

Participating - ensuring all team members get involved

Communication - having effective communication sills to allow team members to work together

Reflection - identifying strengths and weaknesses of team members and the team itself