EDI and Inclusive environments teamworking

Question 1

How does a diverse team improve business value?

Answer 1

Diversity and including in a business is imperative for attracting top talent into organisations. It is important that the build environment sector has a diverse and inclusive workforce that represents the global communities our profession supports and serves. Diversity and inclusion improves business value across the profession by reflecting a true representation of the clients we serve. For example having more female surveyors and senior females in the business.
The RICS is interested in diversity as it states that the future of the profession depends on the ability to create an inclusive, empowered profession to attract the best people whatever their gender, sexual orientation, or race.

Question 2

What is unconscious bias?

Answer 2

Relates to the associations we hold which are deeply ingrained and outside of our conscious awareness or control , these attitudes are influenced by ideas formed from our experience, during our upbringing and education. Unconscious bias can affect how we interact with colleagues, clients and suppliers. Positive actions must be taken to ensure these biases do not adversely impact prejudice people.

Question 3

What is your firms procedure for upon noticing unconscious bias?

Answer 3

If you feel comfortable then to confirm the person and asking them to reconsider what they are saying. If you done feel comfortable then to report to your line manager who will speak to the person in question admitting unconscious bias

Question 4

How might unconscious bias impact a surveyors work?

Answer 4

Negatively. In the workplace it can negatively impact colleagues and deter them for wanting to come into the office. For example of a co-worked made unconscious bias to someone’s dress sense or being to old to work this person would not want to come to work. It can also affect clients, if for example a surveyor made unconscious bias in a meeting that led to a bad review of the company or the instruction not being won

Question 5

How would you tackle unconscious bias?

Answer 5

Step one I would become aware. Step two I would slow down a think critically recognising my own unconscious bias. Step three I would challenge myself to do one thing differently such as changing my view.

Question 6

How does your firm improve diversity in the workplace and the subsequent benefits?

Answer 6

At Savills, supporting our people to enable them to be the best version of themselves is at the heart of our business. We strive to create an inclusive environment, accepting of every individuals differences. Savills are committed to achieving D&I objectives such as ensuring that the percentage of female directors increases by at least a quarter to 25%.

Question 7

What are the protected characteristics of the Equality Act 2010?

Answer 7

• Age
• Disability
• Gender
• Sexual Orientation
• Race
• Religion
• Paternity/maternity
• Marriage status
• Gender reassignment

Question 8

What are key skills for effective teamworking?

Answer 8

I think that education of diversity and the benefits it brings is important and a strong way of promoting diversity in a property workplace.

Question 9

Which CPD sessions on inclusive environments have you attended?

Answer 9

Team building CPD - discussed the value of having an inclusive team which involves making every member of the team views and opinion being heard equally

Question 10

What are four types of discrimination?

Answer 10

Direct, indirect, harassment, victimization

Question 11

What are they key points from the equality act?

Answer 11

The Equality Act 2010 consolidates discrimination law and provides protection against a wide range of discrimination and inequality, including the use of property as well as when dealing with people. It is unlawful for those managing buildings to discriminate or victimize an occupier.
When faced with an obstacle to access for disabled persons, the act requires the service provider to remove or alter the feature or provide reasonable means of avoiding the obstacle or reasonable alternative access to the service. The test is one of reasonableness and not an absolute obligation.

Question 12

What are the protected characteristics?

Answer 12

• Age
• Disability
• Gender
• Sexual Orientation
• Race
• Religion
• Paternity/maternity
• Marriage status
• Gender reassignment

Question 13

How do you adhere to the Equality Act 2010?

Answer 13

I ensure that I am not prejudice towards anyone and consider the nine protected characteristics.

Question 14

How do you contribute to an inclusive environment within the workplace?

Answer 14

I am aware of the different physical and mental health requirements that may lead to access issues, I understand the factors that may lead to social isolation.

Question 15

How can the built environment strive to be inclusive, which can be achieved through design?

Answer 15

The built environment should be designed in a way that is designed to allow people with a diverse range of needs and abilities to access at use it. This could be ensuring ramps for wheelchairs, and ways for those in wheelchairs to access upper floors of the buildings.

Question 16

Part M of the Equality act

Answer 16

regards accessibility to buildings, test for reasonableness where service provides must not discriminate to disabled people however this bust be done at a reasonable costs, disruption and extent. (case by case basis)