Inclusive Environments

Question 1

What are inclusive environments?

Answer 1

• These recognise and accommodate differences in the way people use built and natural engironment
• Requires mutual respect, effective relationships, clear communication, understanding of expectations, critical self reflection
• Facilitates dignified, equal and intuitive use by everyone - no physical / social separation, discrimination, isolation, welcome diverse user needs
• People of all backgrounds can freely express their opinions and points of view

Question 2

Why are inclusive environments important?

Answer 2

According to Deloitte’s article on D&I - diverse and inclusive teams outperform peers- can generate up to 30% higher revenue per employee, greater profitability than their competitors

Question 3

What is discrimination?

Answer 3

Unjust / prejudicial treatment of different categories of people, especially on grounds of protected characteristics

Question 4

Please explain your understanding of inclusion within the workplace?

Answer 4

• Creating an environment and culture where all employees feel they belong in the organisation
• Every employee comfortable voicing their opinions, no one person feels excluded because of their identity

Question 5

Are there any Building Regulations relevant to inclusive environments?

Answer 5

Approved Document M - Access to and use of buildings

Question 6

How does Approved Document M apply to this competency?

Answer 6

• Provides info about ease of access and use of buildings for people of all abilities, including to bathrooms
• Guidance on use of ramps and steps to provide ease of access, safe degrees of pitch and dims when building wheelchair accessible facility
• Construction of stairs and corridors - safe height of stairs and accessible width of both corridors and stairs
• Document provides guidance on access and use of extensions made to buildings other than dwellings- access to toilets, bathrooms, sinks

Question 7

Give some examples of how a building can be inclusive?

Answer 7

• Physical access - i.e. ramps, lifts
• Hearing loops
• Dedicated feeding areas to new parents
• Prayer rooms
• Accessible parking bays
• Contrasting colours, i.e. to sockets, nosings, door frames

Question 8

What is IEQM?

Answer 8

Inclusive Employer Quality Mark
- Introduced by RICS in 2015 - 4 principles include leadership, recruitment, culture and development
- Encourages businesses to champion and consider inclusivity in day-to-day operations

Question 9

What legislation / regulations relate to inclusive environments?

Answer 9

• Equality Act 2010
• Human Rights Act 1998

Question 10

What is the key regulation that legally protects people from discrimination in the workplace and wider society?

Answer 10

Equality Act 2010

Question 11

What is the Equality Act 2010?

Answer 11

• Discrimination law protecting individuals from unfair treatment, promotes fair and equal society
• Provides legal framework to protect rights of individuals, advance equality of opportunity for all

Question 12

What are the protected characteristics under the act?

Answer 12

Against the law to disccriminate because of:
1. Age
2. Disability
3. Gender reassignment
4. Marriage / civil partnership
5. Pregnancy, maternity
6. Race
7. Religion and belief
8. Sex
9. Sexual orientation