Inclusive Environment - L1 Flashcards
What is the definition of an inclusive environment?
- NPPF 2021: Planning policies and decisions should aim to achieve healthy, inclusive and safe places which
a) promote social interaction
b) are safe and accessible
c) enable and support healthy lifestyles
What should an inclusive environment create?
- Strong neighbourhood connections
- Active street frontages
- Safe and accessible green infrastructure
What should inclusive environments facilitate?
- Easy pedestrian and cycle connections
- Healthy lifestyles
What industry guidance are you aware of?
- NPPF 2021 defines an inclusive environment
- Part M Building Regulations
- Equality Act 2010
Do Building Regulations go beyond meeting minimum standards or legislative requirements?
- Legislative requirement set out in Building Regulations
- Part M deals with access and use of the buildings
Why is it important to provide choice?
Cater for different lifestyles
How do you promote diversity of user needs?
- Plan positively for use of shared spaces e.g. community facilities, open space, meeting places
- Accessible for all
- Promote variety of transport opportunities
- Guard against lower value community facilities
How do you promote inclusive environments?
- My client attitude to design is people, places, spaces
- People - usability e.g. walking routes, connectivity, legibility of design
- Deliver disabled parking
- Deliver cycle parking
- M4(3) compliant units
- Consider footpath widths and surface materials
How can this create a safe working environment?
- Good design creates safety through overlooking and natural surveillance
- High quality public open space is usable and therefore safer
Tell me about the diversity of user needs.
- Providing an environment that meets the needs of all users. Local or international
- Age, disability, gender, sexual orientation
What is cultural change?
The modification of society through innovation, invention, discovery or contact with other societies
How can cultural change be problematic?
- Takes time
- Costly
- Difference to the ‘norm’
How can cultural change be achieved?
- Law / legislation
- Driven by consumer demand e.g. demand for sustainable clothing
- Financially incentivised e.g. carbon tax
In relation to end users and potential needs, explain the principles of direct and indirect discrimination and unconscious bias.
- Direct discrimination: somebody is treated unfairly because of a protected attribute e.g. employer not giving the best candidate the job on account of sexuality or disability
- Indirect discrimination: organisation has a particular policy or way of working that discriminates against people of a certain characteristic
- Unconscious bias: implicit bias that underlying attributes or stereotypes impact a way you perceive others or a group
What legislation contributes to creating inclusive environments?
- Equality Act 2010
- Part M of Building Regulations
Tell me about the NPPF / Equality Act 2010 / Building Regulations.
- NPPF: Governs planning policies for England and how these should be applied to LPAs
- Equality Act 2010: purpose was to consolidate the different strands of discrimination statute into one law. Protects people with protected characteristics e.g. disability, sexual orientation, religion. Prevents direct or indirect discrimination
- Building regulations: regulations to cover the construction and extension of buildings. They form minimum standards for design, consruction an alterations to buildings
What are key requirements for inclusive environments?
NPPF 2021:
* Promote social interaction
* Safe and accessible
* Enable and support healthy lifestyles
What is inclusive or universal design?
Inclusive design is more than just physical access (ramps or lifts). It is removing barriers that create effort, separation and a design that enables everyone to participate equally, confidently and independently in every day society
What is economic inequality?
- Unequal distribution in income or opportunity between different groups in society
1) Income inequality - extent to which income is distrubuted unevenly in a group of people. Includes wages, salaries, bonuses, dividems, state benefits
2) Pay inequality - difference in pay (hourly, monthly, annual basis)
3) Wealth inequality - reflects assets
What is social cohesion?
The extent to which society is bound together, integrated and share common beliefs
What is gentrification?
- Process where the character of a poor urban area is changed by wealthier people moving in, improving housing and attracting new businesses
- Often involves displacing current inhabitants
What issues might gentrification cause?
- Loss of community
- Displace residents
- Change or loss in culture
What are the protected characteristics under the Equality Act 2010?
- Age
- Disability
- Gender
- Marriage and civil partnership
- Pregnancy and maternity
- Race
- Religion or belief
- Sex
- Sexual orietation
What does the Equality Act 2010 provide?
Equality Act 2010 provides protection from discrimination in workplace, using transport, join club or association, use business or organisations using public services
How does the Equality Act relate to service providers or controllers of let premises?
- Under Section 29 of the Equality Act it is unlawful for a service provider to discriminate against a disabled person by not providing them with the service, withdrawing the service, or providing a lesser or worse service than a non-disabled person
- Letting a property must ensure:
◦ Terms are not discriminatory
◦ If requested, a commercial property must be adjusted to meet the needs of disabled persons
◦ May wish to include works, but must be complete before letting works
What does the Equality Act say in relation to reasonable adjustments?
- As a tenant or supplier of goods not only are you obligated to make reasonable adjustments but you are also obliged to physically alter the property to permit diabled access e.g. ramps, wider doors, steps stair lifts, lighting clearer signs
- Reasonable: disability, practicable, size of organisation, money and resources available
How is the Equality Act enforced?
If you do not comply with the Act you may face:
* Claim for discrimination
* Monetary penalties
* Injunction order to enforce adjustment / alteration
What changes to physical features might be made?
- Wider ramps
- Ramps
- Stairways
- Lighting clearer signs
- Auxiliary aids e.g. handrail
- Hearing hoop for tenants
What are examples of auxiliary aids and services?
- British Sign Language (BSL) interpreters
- Portable induction loop
- Extra staff assistance
- Use of Braille (a reading and writing system for blind and vision impaired people)
How do the Equality Act 2010 and Building Regulations relate to each other?
- Part M states the minimum requirements to ensure a broad range of people are able to access and use facilities
- Equality Act requires reasonable adjustments to be made in relation to accessibility. Requires regard to be given to the specific need of likely building users
- Compliace with Part M does not signify compliance with obligations and duties of Equality Act
What does Regulation 9 say?
Regulation 9 describes exempt buildings:
* Not habitable buildings
* Low risk
* Like for like replacements
* Relate to small buildings such as conservatory
How long is an exemption under this valid for?
If after carrying out the work it is still a building or extension of the kind described in the schedule
What are the requirements under the Public Sector Equality Duty (PSED)?
Those subject to the Equality Duty must:
* Eliminate unlawful discrimination, harassment, victimisation
* Advance equality of opportunity among those who share a protected characteristic
* Foster good relations with those who share protected characteristic
Who does the PSED apply to?
Applies to Public Bodies and others carrying out public functions
How is it enforced?
PSED can be enforced through the Judicial Review procedure or the Equality and Human Rights Commission
What is an Access Statement?
Access statement sets out how a new building or environment will achieve design standards for disabled users
What does Approved Document M relate to?
Building regulations Part M - Access to and use of buildings
Does Part M guarantee inclusive design?
- Approved documents set out accepted reasonable provision for compliance
- If you follow guidance in an approved document the presumption is compliance with requirements of guidance, however not guaranteed
- Normal guidance may not apply if unusual case
What happens if you deviate from the Equality Act and a user is subject to substantial disadvantage as a result of design?
Failure to comply with the act to prevent people being at a substantial disadvantage is a form of discrimination
What is BS 8300?
- BS 8300 British Standards (design of buildings and their approaches to meet the needs of disabled people)
- Dates back to 2001
What minimum standards does it provide?
Imposed a duty on suppliers of goods and services to make offerings accessible to disabled people
What does NPPF say about inclusive design?
NPPF has previously defined it as designing the built environment, including buildings and their surrounding spaces to ensure that they can be accessed and used by everyone
How might this be incorporated into local planning policy?
If it is a priority of the Planning Inspectorate in examination of the Local Plans
What key design principles can be used to achieve inclusive environments?
- Create overlooked open spaces
- Improve pedestrian / cycle legibility and connectivity
- Street layouts to allow social interaction
How can inclusive environments be incorporated into the different stages of a building’s life cycle?
Acquisition:
* Principles of inclusive design factored into acquisition
* Acquisition cost plans should include provision for electric vehicles
Planning:
* Design of scheme should reflect inclusive design e.g. usable open space, overlooked space, street layouts
Occupation:
* Maintenance of open space needs to promote usability to the extent that it is used and promotes inclusive design
* Actually reduces crime / feelings of fear
How can you consult with key stakeholders?
- Pre-app consult with local authority
- Public consultation to consult with local community or businesses
Who might be a stakeholder?
- Local Planning Authority
- Local community
What are the 5 stages of fire risk assessment?
1 Identify fire hazards
2 Identify people at risk
3 Evaluate, remove or reduce risk
4 Record findings, prepare an emergency plan and provide training
5 Review and regularly update the Assessment
What is a FRA? and Who must undertake them?
Fire Risk Assessment
* Responsible Persons
* Employer
* Owner
* Landlord
* Occupier
* Anyone else with control of the premises
How often must they be reviewed?
Every 12 months (Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order)
What legislation relates to fire safety?
Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005
What requirements does the Fire Safety (Regulatory Reform) Order 2005 introduce?
- Requirement to complete a risk assessment
- Requirement to take reasonable steps to reduce the risk of fire
- Ensure occupants can escape fire safely
What is a PEEP?
Personal Emergency Evacuation Plan
What arrangements to evacuate might be in place?
- Clear passageway to escape routes
- Clearly marked escape routes that are as short and direct
- Enough exits and routes for all people to escape
- Emergency doors
- Emergency lighting
- Training for all employers to use escape routes
- Safe meeting points
How does the 2005 Order relate to inclusive environments?
- Places an obligation to consider safe evacuation plans for all people from a premises
- Failure to consider disabled people for example might be considered as discrimination
What does visual clarity mean?
- Measure of how effectively visual design prioritise and conveys information
- Clarity produces meaningful and uninstructed interaction
What audibility systems are you aware of?
Hearing loop
What employment law relates to inclusive environments?
- Equality Act 2010
- PSED
How do ethical considerations compare to legal requirements in relation to inclusive environments?
- Moral case: the right thing to do. More industries with greater degree of inclusivity and diversity would be better for society
- Legal requirements: Equality Act 2010 protects individuals from discrimination
Explain what the Changing Places campaign relates to.
- Changing Places campaign is about recognising the needs that some disabled toilets meet the needs of disabled people and carers but they don’t meet the needs of space for all people
- Changing Places toilet should have space for a height adjustable bench, a safe and clean environment and a toilet of at least 12 sqm in size
What is Fitwell?
Cerification systems on a healthy building
Fitwell seven health impact categories:
1 Community health
2 Reduces morbidity and absenteism
3 Supports social equity for vulnerable populations
4 Instills feelings of wellbeing
5 Provides healthy food
6 Promotes occupant safety
7 Increase physical activity
Explain your understanding of the UK government’s Disability Strategy.
- The National Disability Strategy was published in July 2021 to improve the lives of disabled people
- In January 2022, the High Court ruled the strategy unlawful, based on a case brought by four disabled people in relation to the consultation process
Explain how you can meet BR M4(3).
- M4(3) Wheelchair User Dwelling
- A wheelchair user can approach and gain step-free access to every private entrance and outdoor space, parking and communal facility
- Access to the WC is step-free
- Sufficient internal space to accommodate a wheelchair user
- Sanitary facilities and kitchens meet the needs of a wheelchair user
- Wall-mounted switches, controls and socket outlets are accessible to people who have reduced reach
