Inclusive environment

Question 1

What is an inclusive environment?

Answer 1

An environment which is designed and managed to allow people with a diverse range of needs and abilities to access and use it.

Question 2

Give example of inclusive environment.

Answer 2

• Accessibility is considered in design – step-free access, ramps, disabled toilets.
• Signs, clear writing for those with poor vision.

Question 3

What policy and regs should be considered?

Answer 3

• Equality Act 2010
• National Planning Policy Framework (NPPF) – relates to health, well-being and safety of places.
• Approved Document M – access and use of buildings for disabled visitors.

Question 4

What is the Equality Act 2010?

Answer 4

• It is a discrimination law.
• Provides protection against inequality.

Question 5

What are the 4 types of illegal discrimination in the Equality Act 2010

Answer 5

• Direct discrimination
• Indirect discrimination
• Harassment
• Victimisation

Question 6

How does Equality Act 2010 relate to inclusive environments?

Answer 6

• Requirement to make ‘reasonable’ adjustments to help disabled people in an environment to avoid disability discrimination. The Act covers those who control or let premises.
• Need to have access statement on properties to set out details of access arrangements and alternative arrangements.
• When faced with an obstacle, service provider must either remove/alter the feature or provide alternative access.

Question 7

What is the test for ‘reasonableness’

Answer 7

• Effectiveness of the adjustments for the disabled person.
• The practicality of the adjustment.
• Its financial cost and disruption

Question 8

What are the essential principles for achieving an inclusive environment?

Answer 8

Question 9

How does the Equality Act 2010 protect against discrimination and equality?

Answer 9

Prohibiting discrimination
The Act prohibits discrimination based on nine protected characteristics, including age, disability, gender reassignment, race, religion or belief, sex, and sexual orientation.
Protecting against harassment
The Act protects people from unwanted conduct that creates a hostile or offensive environment.
Protecting against victimisation
The Act protects people from being treated unfavorably for taking action under the Act or supporting someone who does.
Creating a duty to make reasonable adjustments
The Act requires service providers, employers, and colleges to make reasonable adjustments to help people with disabilities.
Imposing a Public Sector Equality Duty
The Act requires public bodies to consider the needs of people with protected characteristics when carrying out their public duties or services.

Question 10

What is neurodiversity and how does CBRE account for this?

Answer 10

This is the natural variation of how people’s brains work.
CBRE – creates an inclusive environment through
* Employee resource groups,
* DE&I training,
* mentorship programmes and
* flexible work arrangements.

Question 11

What is approved document M?

Answer 11

• Set of guidelines that help ensure buildings are accessible and usable by everyone.

Question 12

What are key requirements for inclusive environments?

Answer 12

Design and management to allow people with diverse needs to be able to access and use a building

Question 13

What does it say in relation to reasonable adjustments?

Answer 13

It is based on the reasonable test. This includes:
* Effectiveness
* Cost
* Practicality
* Finance and other options available to the service provider