Inclusive Environments

Question 1

What is the definition of an inclusive environment?

Answer 1

In an inclusive environment, people of all cultural orientations can: freely express who they are, their own opinions and points of view.

Question 2

What should an inclusive environment create?

Answer 2

An inclusive environment involves the deliberate effort to create a workplace environment where every employee is respected and empowered to contribute equally, as well as be supported with access to the same resources and opportunities, regardless of individual demographics.

Question 3

How do you promote diversity of user needs?

Answer 3

I ensure I consider the end users in any design and specification I undertake, taking into account both the mimimum standards (Approvd Doc M) and also any additional needs.

Question 4

How do you promote inclusive environments?

Answer 4

I always consider my language used and ensure I am using inclusive language.

Question 5

How can IE create a safe working environment?

Answer 5

Everyone feels welcome, comfortable and able to excel and offer their thoughts, opinions and ideas.

Question 6

What is cultural change?

Answer 6

Cultural change is the process in which an organization encourages employees to adopt behaviors and mindsets that are consistent with the organization’s values and goals.

Question 7

What is unconscious bias?

Answer 7

Unconscious (or implicit) bias is a term that describes the associations we hold, outside our conscious awareness and control. Unconscious bias affects everyone.

Question 8

What legislation contributes to creating inclusive environments?

Answer 8

Equality Act 2010 / Building Regulations

Question 9

Tell me about the Equality Act 2010?

Answer 9

The Equality Act 2010 legally protects people from discrimination in the workplace and in wider society.

It replaced previous anti-discrimination laws with a single Act, making the law easier to understand and strengthening protection in some situations. It sets out the different ways in which it’s unlawful to treat someone.

Question 10

When might you advise on inclusive environments?

Answer 10

If I am involved in the planning or design of a refurbishment or a new build scheme, inclusive design may be required.

Question 11

What is inclusive design?

Answer 11

Inclusive environments recognise and accommodate differences in the way people use the built and natural environment. They facilitate dignified, equal and intuitive use by everyone.

Question 12

What are the protected characteristics under the Equality Act 2010?

Answer 12

age
disability
gender reassignment
marriage and civil partnership
pregnancy and maternity
race
religion or belief
sex
sexual orientation

Question 13

What does the Equality Act 2010 say in relation to reasonable adjustments?

Answer 13

The Equality Act says there’s a duty to make reasonable adjustments if you’re placed at a substantial disadvantage because of your disability compared with non-disabled people or people who don’t share your disability.

Question 14

How it the Equality Act 2010 enforced?

Answer 14

Equality & Human Rights Commission enforce the EA through:

investigations (Section 20)
unlawful act notices (Section 21)
action plans (Section 22)
agreements (Section 23)
injunctions (in Scotland, interdicts) (Section 24)
public sector equality duty assessments (Section 31)
public sector equality duty compliance notices (Section 32).

Question 15

How do the Equality Act 2010 and Building Regulations relate to each other?

Answer 15

Whilst the accessible design of buildings is regulated by the Building Regulations Part M: Access to and use of buildings, the Equality Act does require “reasonable adjustments” to be made when providing access to goods, facilities, services and premises

Question 16

What is an Access Statement?

Answer 16

An Access Statement is a document that explains the ambition of your development in terms of providing equal access for all potential users. It is a useful document to produce in its own right, especially if you use it to record key decisions during the course of the development.

An Access Statement is often produced as part of a Design and Access Statement - a document that is required as part of a planning application.

Question 17

What does Approved Document M relate to?

Answer 17

Approved Document M: access to and use of buildings

Part 1: Dwellings
Part 2: Buildings other than dwellings

Question 18

Does ADM guarantee inclusive design?

Answer 18

No, the approved documents are minimum standards and thought should be given to the project specific needs of the end user.

Question 19

What happens if you deviate from this and a user is subject to substantial disadvantage as a result of design?

Answer 19

A reasonable adjustment would have to be made.

Question 20

What is BS 8300?

Answer 20

BS 8300 is a British Code of Practice that sets out the requirements of how buildings should be designed, constructed and maintained to meet the needs of disabled people as well as create an accessible and inclusive environment for them.

Question 21

What key design principles can be used to achieve inclusive environments?

Answer 21

Placing people at the heart of the design process

Acknowledging diversity and difference

Offering choice where a single solution cannot accommodate all users

Providing flexibility in use

Creating an environment that is convenient and enjoyable for all to use

Question 22

What is a PEEP?

Answer 22

Personal Emergency Evacuation Plan (PEEP)
Aim. The aim of a PEEP is to provide people who cannot get themselves out of a building unaided with the necessary information and assistance to be able to manage their escape to a place of safety and to ensure that the correct level of assistance is always available.

Question 23

What employment law relates to inclusive environments?

Answer 23

The Equality Act 2010.

Question 24

Explain your companies policy relating to inclusive environments.

Answer 24

All employees undertake annual training on unconscious bias and diversity.

Question 25

Explain what the Changing Places campaign relates to.

Answer 25

The Changing Places campaign was launched in 2006 by the Changing Places Consortium. It aims to provide toilet facilities which are safe, comfortable and accessible for those who cannot use standard accessible toilets.

Changing Places toilets will have adequate space and facilities, e.g. height adjustable changing benches and hoists, to meet a variety of user requirements. Research suggests that over 250,000 people in the UK would benefit from the provision of Changing Places toilets, including users living with motor neurone disease, multiple sclerosis and cerebral palsy.