Diversity, Inclusion & Team Work and Inclusive Environments

Question 1

When have you worked well in a team?

Answer 1

Specific to the individual but mention:
*How teams strengths and weaknesses are utilised
*Problems that the team overcame
*How the team decided on a strategy
*How the team communicated and worked towards an end goal
*The end outcome

Question 2

What is workplace diversity?

Answer 2

It relates to the acceptance and inclusion of employees of all backgrounds
Diversity in the workplace is important as it acknowledges individual strengths of each employee and the potential they can bring

Question 3

What are advantages of a diverse team?

Answer 3

*Increased Productivity- broader range of skills
*Increased Creativity- differing skill sets and perspectives increase the chances of generating solutions
*Improved cultural awareness- company can operate more effectively within a global market place
*Positive Reputation: employees want an employer who accepts and is tolerant of all backgrounds and who treats their employees fairly.

Question 4

What is partnering and collaborative working?

Answer 4

An arrangement where two or more organisations work together, normally over a period of time with the purpose of achieving shared aims

Question 5

What do you understand by the RICS Inclusive Employer Quality Mark?

Answer 5

*Designed to improve diversity and inclusion within the property and construction sectors
*Scheme requires employers to pledge their commitment to adopting and continuously improving 6 principles:
(Staff) Development
(Staff) Engagement
Leadership and vision
Continuous Improvement
(Staff) Retention
Recruitment
*Employers assess their performance twice a year

Question 6

What is strategic alliance?

Answer 6

An arrangement between two or more organisations with mutual interests to undertake activities which brings mutual benefits, collaborating where it is needed and bringing tangible benefits to partners

Question 7

Why is accountability and responsibility important when working in a team?

Answer 7

Taking ownership of your actions allows you to rectify/defend them in the event you don’t get the outcome you desire.

Responsibility involves managing tasks while accountability focusses on the consequences and ownership of actions. Company leaders are responsible, so therefore held responsible for ensuring profitability, strategy and reputation remains on target.

Question 8

What are inclusive environments?

Answer 8

A inclusive environment Is one where people of all of the 9 protected characteristics can freely express who they are, their opinions and points of view.

It requires mutual respect, effective relationships, clear communication and critical self-reflection

Question 9

Why are inclusive environments important?

Answer 9

A Deloitte article on diversity and inclusion said that research indicates diverse and inclusive teams outperform their peers. Companies with inclusive practices in talent, hiring, promotion, development and team management generate up to 30% higher revenue per employee and greater profitability than their competitors.

Question 10

What legislation do you know that relates to inclusive environments?

Answer 10

Equality Act (2010) (replaced Disability Discrimination Act 1995 and 2005)- section 20 relates to disabled individuals. They should not have any barriers to accessing a premises. If this is the case compared to non-disabled individuals, reasonable adjustments must be made to facilitate access

Question 11

What does NPPF say about Inclusive Environments?

Answer 11

Section 8 of National Planing Policy Framework relates to healthy, inclusive and safe places. The places should promote health and well-being with a high standard of amenity for existing and future uses

Question 12

What are the 9 protected characteristics in the Equality Act 2010?

Answer 12

Gender
Religion
Age
Sex
Sexual Orientation
Race
Pregnancy
Marital status
Disability

Question 13

What is economic equality?

Answer 13

An economic situation where the dividing up of resources or goods in an economy is considered fair. It can be considered in terms of income, pay and wealth

Question 14

What is the Equality Act 2010?

Answer 14

It replaced Disability discriminations acts 1995 and 2005. It legally protects people from discrimination in the workplace and in the wider society.

Question 15

What does unconscious bias mean?

Answer 15

Refers to the assumptions an individual may hold about someone based on there race, gender or disability. the judgements are made without conscious awareness

Question 16

What do you understand by inclusion in the workplace?

Answer 16

Inclusion in the workplace is creating an environment and culture where all company employees feel like they belong to the organisation. it lets every employee feel comfortable in voicing their opinions and that no one feels excluded based on their identity.