Diversity, inclusion and teamworking

Question 1

What is unconscious bias and how can you reduce it?

Answer 1

Unconscious biases are automatic, mental shortcuts that influence judgment and decision-making without conscious awareness. To reduce it, increase self-awareness, participate in diversity training, and implement objective criteria in decision-making processes.

Question 2

Explain what the RICS Inclusive Employer Quality Mark is.

Answer 2

The RICS Inclusive Employer Quality Mark is a voluntary benchmark that promotes diversity and inclusion in the workplace. It encourages organizations to implement best practices and assess their progress.

Question 3

What is a RACI matrix?

Answer 3

A RACI matrix is a project management tool that clarifies roles and responsibilities by assigning tasks to team members under four categories:

1. Responsible
2. Accountable
3. Consulted
4. Informed.

Question 4

What is a strategic alliance?

Answer 4

A strategic alliance is a formal agreement between two or more entities to collaborate and achieve common goals while remaining independent organizations.

Question 5

Explain your understanding of supply chain management.

Answer 5

Supply chain management involves the coordination and management of all activities involved in

1. sourcing,
2. procurement,
3. production, and
4. delivery of goods and services from suppliers to customers

Question 6

Explain Tuckman’s theory in relation to teamwork.

Answer 6

Tuckman’s theory outlines four stages of team development:

1. Forming,
2. Storming,
3. Norming, and
4. Performing.

Each stage represents a progression in team cohesion, communication, and effectiveness.

Question 7

Explain the Belbin team roles.

Answer 7

Belbin team roles are a model that identifies nine roles individuals can play within a team, such as

• Coordinator
• Team Worker
• Implementer,

To help create a balanced and effective team dynamic.

Question 8

Explain Maslow’s hierarchy of needs.

Answer 8

Maslow’s hierarchy of needs is a psychological theory that identifies five levels of human needs, from basic physiological needs to self-actualization, which must be fulfilled for individuals to achieve overall well-being and personal growth.

Question 9

Explain how the RICS Rules of Conduct relate to inclusion and diversity.

Answer 9

The RICS Rules of Conduct require members and firms to treat others with respect, act with integrity, and promote equality of opportunity, supporting an inclusive and diverse professional environment.

Question 10

Which ISO relates to inclusion and diversity?

Answer 10

ISO 26000, a guidance on social responsibility, addresses inclusion and diversity as part of its principles for promoting social equity and fair labor practices.

Question 11

What is Economic Dividends for Gender Equality (EDGE)?

Answer 11

Global certification system that assesses organizations’ gender equality policies and practices,

Focusing on equal pay,
recruitment,
promotion,
leadership development,
and company culture.

Question 12

What is neurodiversity?

Answer 12

Neurodiversity is the concept that recognizes and values the natural variation in human brains and cognitive functioning, including individuals with autism, ADHD, dyslexia, and other neurological differences.

Question 13

Explain the aims of the Memorandum of Understanding: Creating a More Diverse, Equitable and Inclusive Built Environment

Answer 13

The Memorandum aims to promote

1. diversity, 2. equity, and 3. inclusion

in the built environment sector by encouraging collaboration, sharing best practices, and setting measurable targets for improvement.

Question 14

Who are some of the parties to this Memorandum of Understanding?

Answer 14

RICS, RIBA, CIOB

Question 15

What is the definition of an inclusive environment?

Answer 15

A space that accommodates

diverse:

1. needs
2. preferences
3. abilities

Ensuring accessibility, usability, and a sense of belonging for all users.

Question 16

What should an inclusive environment create?

Answer 16

An inclusive environment should create

equal opportunities,
promote well-being, and
foster a sense of community,
respect
belonging among users.

Question 17

In relation to end users and potential needs, explain the principles of direct and indirect discrimination and unconscious bias.

Answer 17

Direct discrimination occurs when someone is treated less favorably because of a protected characteristic.

Indirect discrimination occurs when a rule or policy applies to everyone but disproportionately affects people with a protected characteristic.

Unconscious bias refers to unconscious attitudes or stereotypes that influence decision-making and behavior.

Question 18

What legislation contributes to creating inclusive environments?

Answer 18

Equality Act 2010
Building Regulations
National Planning Policy Framework (NPPF)

Question 19

Question: Tell me about the NPPF/Equality Act 2010/Building Regulations.

Answer 19

The NPPF sets planning policies for England, promoting sustainable and inclusive development.

The Equality Act 2010 prohibits discrimination and mandates reasonable adjustments for disabled people.

Building Regulations ensure that buildings are designed and constructed to meet accessibility and usability standards.

Question 20

What is inclusive or universal design?

Answer 20

Inclusive or universal design is an approach to designing products, environments, and services that are accessible and usable by the widest range of people, regardless of their abilities or age.

Question 21

What is gentrification?

Answer 21

Gentrification is a process of urban development characterized by the influx of wealthier residents into lower-income neighborhoods, often resulting in rising property values, displacement of original residents, and changes in the area’s character.

Question 22

What are the protected characteristics under the Equality Act 2010?

Answer 22

The protected characteristics are

age,
disability,
gender reassignment,
marriage and civil partnership,
pregnancy and maternity,
race, religion or belief,
sex, and sexual orientation.

Question 23

How do the Equality Act 2010 and Building Regulations relate to each other?

Answer 23

The Equality Act 2010 promotes equal access and prohibits discrimination, while Building Regulations set standards for building design and construction, including accessibility.

Both work together to create inclusive environments.

Question 24

What does Regulation 9 say?

Answer 24

Regulation 9 of the Building Regulations outlines the requirements for providing access and facilities for people with disabilities in new buildings or when existing buildings undergo changes or alterations.

Question 25

How long is an exemption under regulation 9 valid for?

Answer 25

Answer: Exemptions under Regulation 9 are granted on a case-by-case basis, and the validity period depends on the specific circumstances.

Question 26

What are the requirements under the Public Sector Equality Duty (PSED)?

Answer 26

PSED requires public bodies to eliminate discrimination, promote equality of opportunity, and foster good relations among people with different protected characteristics.

Question 27

What is an Access Statement?

Answer 27

An Access Statement is a document that outlines how a building or facility is accessible to users with disabilities, detailing existing provisions and any planned improvements.

Question 28

What does Approved Document M relate to?
Answer:

Answer 28

Approved Document M relates to access to and use of buildings, providing guidance on meeting the Building Regulations’ requirements for accessibility and usability.

Question 29

How many parts is Part M split into and what does each relate to?

Answer 29

Part M is split into two parts: Part M1 relates to dwellings and Part M2 relates to buildings other than dwellings, such as commercial or public buildings.

Question 30

What happens if you deviate from Part M and a user is subject to substantial disadvantage as a result of design?

Answer 30

Deviating from Part M or other accessibility guidelines can lead to legal consequences, including complaints under the Equality Act 2010 or enforcement action by regulatory authorities.

Question 31

What is BS 8300?

Answer 31

BS 8300 is a British Standard that provides guidance on designing accessible and inclusive built environments, covering both external and internal features.

Question 32

What does NPPF say about inclusive design?

Answer 32

The NPPF encourages inclusive design by promoting

1. sustainable and accessible development,
2. emphasizing the need for a high quality built environment that caters to diverse user needs.

Question 33

What key design principles can be used to achieve inclusive environments?

Answer 33

Key design principles include

1. flexibility,
2. adaptability,
3. choice,
4. user-centered design
5. barrier-free access

Question 34

How can inclusive environments be incorporated into the different stages of a building’s life cycle?

Answer 34

Inclusive environments can be incorporated through planning, design, construction, operation, maintenance, and eventual decommissioning or repurposing, ensuring accessibility and usability at each stage.

Question 35

Question: What are the 5 stages of fire risk assessment?

Answer 35

The 5 stages are: 1) Identify fire hazards, 2) Identify people at risk, 3) Evaluate risks and determine control measures, 4) Record findings and create a plan, and 5) Review and update the assessment regularly.

Question 36

Question: What is a PEEP?

Answer 36

A PEEP (Personal Emergency Evacuation Plan) is a customized plan outlining how an individual with disabilities will be safely evacuated from a building during an emergency.

Question 37

What arrangements to evacuate might be in place?

Answer 37

Evacuation arrangements may include designated refuge areas, evacuation chairs, trained evacuation assistants, and clear communication methods.

Question 38

Question: How does the 2005 Order relate to inclusive environments?

Answer 38

The 2005 Order promotes inclusive environments by requiring responsible persons to consider the needs of all building occupants, including those with disabilities, when implementing fire safety measures.

Question 39

What employment law relates to inclusive environments?

Answer 39

Employment laws related to inclusive environments include the Equality Act 2010, which prohibits discrimination and requires reasonable adjustments for disabled employees.

Question 40

Explain your corporate policy relating to inclusive environments.

Answer 40

• Flexible working
• Hybrid working
• Diversity initiatives
• Diversity literature on SMT reading list

Question 41

Explain what the Changing Places campaign relates to.

Answer 41

The Changing Places campaign advocates for accessible toilet facilities for people with severe disabilities, featuring equipment such as height-adjustable changing benches, hoists, and adequate space for a person and their caregiver.

Question 42

What is Fitwel?

Answer 42

Fitwel is a building certification system that focuses on promoting health and well-being within the built environment. It evaluates a building’s design, operations, and maintenance based on criteria such as accessibility, air quality, water quality, and access to healthy food.

Question 43

Explain your understanding of the UK government’s Disability Strategy.
Answer: The UK government’s Disability Strategy is a framework aimed at improving the lives of people with disabilities by promoting equality, removing barriers, and providing support. The strategy focuses on areas such as education, employment, health and well-being, independent living, and accessible environments.

Answer 43

Cross-government approach

Consultation with 14,000 disabled people

Focused on education, skills and employment