Inclusive Environments

Question 1

What is the Equality Act, 2010?

Answer 1

It consolidates discrimination law, protection against a range of discrimination based on protected characteristics. In a property context unlawful for the property controllers/agents to discriminate/victimise.

Question 2

How does the Equility Act, 2010 protect people from discrimination?

Answer 2

Extends obligations of service providers to all controllers of let premises. Makes it unlawful for those managing buildings to discriminate/victimise occupier. Also applies to Lettings/sales/assignments (disposals).

Question 3

What is the main legistlation around inclusive environments?

Answer 3

Equality Act, 2010

Question 4

What obligations does the Equality Act extend?

Answer 4

Extends to existing requirement to make reasonable adjustments to help disabled people if they would be left at substantial disadvantage if work is not carried out.

Landlords: dealings with tenants and occupiers in accordance with act.

Service providers: must alter building/provide alternative service to avoid disability discrimination- reasonable in cost, extent and disruption.

Question 5

What is part M of the building regulations?

Answer 5

Part of the building regulations, 2015 - relates to access and the use of buildings, reasonable adjustments etc.

Question 6

What are the regulations for accessible building design?

Answer 6

Part M of the building regulations

Question 7

What are the test for reasonable adjustments? Any examples of reasonable adjustments?

Answer 7

There are 4 tests for reasonableness.
1) Effectiveness of adjustment for
2) Practically of the adjustment
3) Financial cost and likely disruption
4) Financial and other resources available to the service provider.

Question 8

What are the four types of illegal discrimination highlighted in the Equality Act 2010?

Answer 8

1) Direct discrimination
2) Indirect discrimination
3) Harassment
4) Victimisation

Question 9

What is the CABE publication?

Answer 9

Industry guidance - surveyors have a responsibility to remove barriers and create inclusive environments.

Question 10

What are inclusive environments?

Answer 10

designing buildings and spaces that are accessible to all

aim to enable everyone to particapte

recognises and accommodates differences in the way people use the built and natural environment.

It facilitates dignified, equal and intuitive use by everyone.

It does not physically or socially separate, discriminate, or isolate.

Readily accommodate and welcomes diverse user needs

Question 11

What is discrimination?

Answer 11

the unjust or prejudicial treatment of different categories of people, especially on the grounds of race, religion, age, sex, or disability.

Question 12

Can you provide a summary of how approved document M applies to this competency?

Answer 12

approved document M provides information about the ease of access to and use of, buildings, including facilities for disabled visitors or occupants and the ability to move through a building easily including to toilets and bathrooms.

Guidance on the use of ramps and steps is covered to provide ease of access, with information including safe degrees of pitch and dimensions when building a wheelchair accessible facility. the construction of accessible stairs and corridors is also addressed, including the safe height of stairs and the accessible width of both corridors and stairs.

The document also provides guidance on the access and use of extensions made to buildings other than dwellings and access to toilets, bathrooms and sinks with these structures.

Question 13

Can you provide tangible examples of how a building can be inclusive?

Answer 13

physical access; e.g. ramps or lifts for wheelchair users.

Hearing loops

Dedicated feeding areas for new parents.

Accessible parking bays adjacent to the building entrance.

contrasting colours in key elements of the building such as stair nosing, door frames and plug sockets (to assist the partially sighted)

Question 14

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

Answer 14

A discrimination law which protects individuals from unfair treatment and promotes a fair and equal society.

The act provides a legal framework to protect the rights of individuals and advance equality of opportunity for all.

Question 15

What are protected characteristics under the act?

Answer 15

It is against the law to discriminate against someone because of:
- age
- disability
- gender reassignment
- marriage and civil partnership
- pregnancy and maternity
- race
- religion and belief
- sex
- sexual orientation

• these are called protected characteristics

Question 16

What Industry guidance are you aware of under Inclusive environments?

Answer 16

Design council CABE publication

Question 17

What planning regulation are you aware of with regards to Inclusive Environments?

Answer 17

National Planning Policy Framework (NPPF) specifies buildings need to be safe, inclusive and accessible

Question 18

What are RICS doing to promote diversity and inclusion in the industry?

Answer 18

• convened a diversity and inclusion panel
• Launched RICS inclusive Employer Quality Mark
• Continued to promote and encourage a mix of men and women as senior leaders within governance and executive positions within RICS
• August 2020 RICS launched Advancing Inclusion for Black Professionals, a comprehensive set of actions and measures to increase visibility of role models, provide a platform for expertise and aims to improve equity.
  -launch of the diversity and inclusion professional characteristic as part of the RICS Fellow application.
• As part of Pride celebrations 2021 RICS signed the Trans Rights Are Human Rights pledge to demonstrate its support for diversity issues and ensure that Trans members are represented and supported within the profession.

Question 19

List 3 provisions within building M of the building regs

Answer 19

Corridor width - wheelchair turn through 180 degrees
Minimum Dimensions for lifts
Visual contrast between wall and ceiling
Accessible toilet facilities