Diversity, Inclusion and teamworking

Question 1

What are the nine protected characteristics in the Equality Act 2010?

Answer 1

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 2

The RICS have given actions in relation to DE & I. Give some examples for sole practitioners.

Answer 2

• ensure your offices are more accessible for visitors
• Consider how to make your website and other communications accessible to all
• Challenge behaviour that is exclusionary
• Diversity your supply chain and champion minority owned businesses

Question 3

The RICS have given actions in relation to DE & I. Give some examples for small businesses.

Answer 3

• Think about how to recruit to attract a wider range of talent
• Job descriptions and adverts should be inclusive
• Put in place policies e.g. acceptable behaviour, parental leave, well-being
• Create consistent onboarding policies

Question 4

The RICS have given actions in relation to DE & I. Give some examples for large firms.

Answer 4

• Remove bias from recruitment
• collect and publish data on EDI in the workforce (+actions)
• Provide staff training on EDI policies
• Support employee groups

Question 5

What are the 6 key areas of DEI guidance?

Answer 5

1. Inclusive culture
2. Everyday life at work
3. Inclusive recruitment
4. Career progression and development
5. Inclusive policies and procedures
6. Inclusive spaces

Question 6

Can you tell me about the new RICS initiative relating to DEI?

Answer 6

August 2024.

RICS is pledging £90k to the Chartered Surveyors Student Bursary Programme.

Assists talented students from underrepresented backgrounds in entering the property industry (recommendation of the Bichard review).

Question 7

What are the percentages of minorities for RICS members?

Answer 7

Women: 18%
Lower socio economic background: 27%
Construction workers that are BAME: 6%

Question 8

What is unconscious bias?

Answer 8

Making judgements or decisions on the basis of prior experience, assumptions or interpretations and we’re not aware we’re doing it

Question 9

How can unconscious bias be tested?

Answer 9

Implicit Assumptions Testing

Question 10

Can you give me some examples of good teamworking skills.

Answer 10

1. Listening
2. Discussing
3. Respect
4. Helping
5. Sharing
6. Participating
7. Communication
8. Reflection