Inclusive environments

Question 1

What is the definition of an inclusive environment?

Answer 1

An inclusive environment 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. It readily accommodates and welcomes diverse user needs.

Question 2

What should an inclusive environment create?

Answer 2

A place where all forms of disabilities can use the space safely and easily

Question 3

What should inclusive environments facilitate?

Answer 3

It facilitates dignified, equal and intuitive use by everyone. It does not physically or socially separate, discriminate or isolate. It readily accommodates and welcomes diverse user needs.

It should put people at the heart of the design process
Acknowledge diversity
Offer choice
Provide flexibility in use

Question 4

What industry guidance are you aware of?

Answer 4

CABE (Commission for Architecture and the Built Environment) principles of inclusive design - published in 2006

Question 5

Does it go beyond meeting minimum standards or legislative requirements?

Answer 5

Yes. It’s a moral and professional duty for everyone.

Question 6

Why is it important to provide choice?

Answer 6

If a single solution cannot accommodate a user, then they must be provided with other choices of means of access. They must not be penalised for their disability.

Question 7

How do you promote diversity of user needs?

Answer 7

I am aware of unconscious bias and I ensure that I do not do it.

Question 8

Unconscious Bias

Answer 8

Unconscious bias is when we make judgments or decisions on the basis of our prior experience, our own personal deep-seated thought patterns, assumptions or interpretations, and we are not aware that we are doing it.

Question 9

How do you promote inclusive environments?

Answer 9

1. Use inclusive language
2. Open to feedback
3. Have completed the diversity and inclusion training
4. I sit on the D&I board

Question 10

How can this create a safe working environment?

Answer 10

Everyone feels safe and included. It makes people feel more comfortable and prevents hazards.

Provide ways for people with disabilities to report potential issues, and ensure you keep an accurate and up-to-date accident log. Regularly review reports and feedback, and act decisively if a risk to employee health is identified.

Question 11

Tell me about the diversity of user needs

Answer 11

For example, a wheelchair user would require a ramp

Question 12

What is cultural change?

Answer 12

Cultural change is the process in which an organization encourages employees to adopt behaviours and mindsets that are consistent with the organization’s values and goals. Cultural change may be necessary to better align the behaviours of employees with current and future business objectives.

RICS commits to six-point ‘cultural change’ following Levitt report

Question 13

How can cultural change be problematic?

Answer 13

If the process of change is not known or clear to people, they would be anxious and have questions in their minds. They may question their ability to adapt and belong, it may bring in insecurity of how they fit in, do they have the required skills, will it increase their workload, etc.

Question 14

How can cultural change be achieved?

Answer 14

Understand your current culture and its challenges.
Involve the leadership.
Create a strategy and a plan that match your business goals.
Engage your employees.
Pay extra attention to organizational fit in your recruitment efforts.
Track your progress.
Be patient—change takes time.

Question 15

In relation to end users and potential needs, explain the principles of direct and indirect discrimination and unconscious bias

Question 16

Direct discrimination

Answer 16

This is when you are treated worse than another person or other people because:

you have a protected characteristic
someone thinks you have that protected characteristic (known as discrimination by perception)
you are connected to someone with that protected characteristic (known as discrimination by association)

Question 17

Indirect discrimination

Answer 17

Indirect discrimination happens when there is a policy that applies in the same way for everybody but disadvantages a group of people who share a protected characteristic, and you are disadvantaged as part of this group. If this happens, the person or organisation applying the policy must show that there is a good reason for it.

A ‘policy’ can include a practice, a rule or an arrangement.

It makes no difference whether anyone intended the policy to disadvantage you or not.

To prove that indirect discrimination is happening or has happened:

there must be a policy which an organisation is applying equally to everyone (or to everyone in a group that includes you)
the policy must disadvantage people with your protected characteristic when compared with people without it
you must be able to show that it has disadvantaged you personally or that it will disadvantage you
the organisation cannot show that there is a good reason for applying the policy despite the level of disadvantage to people with your protected characteristic

Question 18

What legislation contributed to creating inclusive environments?

Answer 18

Equality Act 2010 -

The Equality Act 2010 protects the following people against discrimination:

employees and workers
contractors and self-employed people hired to personally do the work
job applicants
former employees – usually around providing references

Question 19

What is the difference between primary and secondary legislation?

Answer 19

Primary legislation is an Act that has been passed by the Parliament.

Secondary legislation can make small changes to an Act. The Act must say what changes can be made to it by secondary legislation and what process the secondary legislation will follow.

Question 20

What primary and secondary legislation for inclusive environment’s are you aware of?

Answer 20

The key legislation relating to inclusive environments is the Equality Act 2010, which repealed the Disability Discrimination Acts of 1995 and 2005.

It is illegal to discriminate against someone on the grounds of the protected characteristics, which include age, disability, gender reassignment, marriage and civil partnership, pregnancy and maternity, race, religion or belief, sex and sexual orientation.

Question 21

Tell me about the NPPF in relation to inclusive environments

Answer 21

From a planning perspective, the NPPF provides guidance on the provision of healthy, inclusive and safe places. These should “promote health and wellbeing, with a high standard of amenity for existing and future users”.

Question 22

Tell me about the Building Regulations in relation to inclusive environments

Answer 22

The Building Regulations, in Approved Document M (volumes 1 and 2), provide minimum requirements for 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”. This includes the pitch for ramps and steps, building dimensions and facilities to enable wheelchair access.

Question 23

Tell me about the Equality Act 2010 in relation to inclusive environments

Answer 23

Equality Act states “where a physical feature puts a disabled person at a substantial disadvantage… in comparison with persons who are not disabled” the service provider must “take such steps as it is reasonable to have to take to avoid the disadvantage”.

Examples of reasonable adjustments include changing the way that things are done, adapting physical features or providing auxiliary aids or services.

Question 24

What are the key requirements for inclusive design?

Answer 24

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 25

What are the key requirements for inclusive environments?

Answer 25

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

Question 26

On what scales might you advise on inclusive environments

Question 27

What is meant by universal design?

Answer 27

Universal design is the process of creating products that are accessible to people with a wide range of abilities, disabilities, and other characteristics.

Question 28

Difference between inclusive and universal design

Answer 28

Universal design aims to create one experience that can be accessed and used to the greatest extent possible by all people. Unlike inclusive design, universal design enforces a single design solution without need for adaptations or specialized design.

Question 29

What is economic inequality?

Answer 29

Economic inequality is the unequal distribution of income and opportunity between different groups in society.

Question 30

What is social cohesion?

Answer 30

Social cohesion is the strength of relationships and the sense of unity amongst people

Question 31

What is gentrification?

Answer 31

A process in which a poor area (as of a city) experiences an influx of middle-class or wealthy people who renovate and rebuild homes and businesses and which often results in an increase in property values and the displacement of earlier, usually poorer residents.

Question 32

What issues might gentrification cause?

Answer 32

Increased rent/unsustainable property prices for low-income individuals.

Increased cost for local services.

Higher community resentment and conflict (as well as fewer safety benefits) in areas low-income families must relocate to.

Question 33

What are the protected characteristics under the Equality Act 2010?

Answer 33

1. Age
2. Disability
3. Gender reassignment
4. Marriage and civil partnership
5. Pregnancy and maternity
6. Race
7. Religion or belief
8. Sex
9. Sexual orientation

Question 34

What does the Equality Act 2010 provide?

Answer 34

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.

Question 35

How does the Equality Act 2010 relate to service providers or controllers of let premises?

Answer 35

It puts a duty on them to make alterations to buildings to avoid disability discrimination e.g. ramps

Question 36

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

Answer 36

Reasonable adjustments are changes an employer makes to remove or reduce a disadvantage related to someone’s disability. For example: making changes to the workplace. changing someone’s working arrangements. finding a different way to do something.

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

Question 37

How is the Equality Act 2010 reasonable adjustments enforced?

Answer 37

The Equality Act requires reasonable adjustments to be made in relation to accessibility. In practice, this means that due regard must be given to any specific needs of likely building users that might be reasonably met.

Question 38

What changes to physical features might be made?

Answer 38

Removing or altering the feature
Provide a reasonable means of avoiding the obstacle or alternative access

Question 39

What are examples of auxiliary aids and services?

Answer 39

Such resources include portable ramps, chairs to rest on, wheelchairs to assist movement within a space, hearing loops, sign language interpreters and accessible information formats such as Braille, audio tape and large print.

Question 40

When would you specify either a change to a physical feature or an auxiliary aid/service?

Answer 40

I wouldn’t because this is out of my scope

Question 41

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

Answer 41

Part M sets out minimum requirements to ensure that a broad range of people are able to access and use facilities within buildings.

The Equality Act 2010 brings together and replaces existing equalities legislation
including the Disability Discrimination Act 1995 (DDA). The Equality Act requires
reasonable adjustments to be made in relation to accessibility. In practice, this means that due regard must be given to any specific needs of likely building users that might be reasonably met.

Compliance with the requirements of Part M does not signify compliance with the much broader obligations and duties set out in the Equality Act. This is a source of frequent misunderstanding.

Question 42

What does regulation 9 say?

Question 43

How long is an exemption under this valid for?

Question 44

What are the requirements under the Public Sector Equality Duty (PSED)?

Answer 44

It is a legal duty under the Equality Act 2010. it is a way of making sure public bodies, including the Civil Service, take account of equality in their day to day work. the duty is to consider the impact of policies on people who share protected characteristics.

Question 45

How is the Public Sector Equality Duty enforced?

Answer 45

The Equality and Human Rights Commission (EHRC) is responsible for assessing compliance with the public sector equality duty, both general and specific. It has powers to issue compliance notices to public authorities that have failed to comply and can apply to the courts for an order requiring compliance.

Question 46

What is an Access Statement?

Answer 46

An Access Statement (also known as a Disability Access Statement, Disabled Access Statement or DDA Statement) is a Statement setting out the design philosophy and key design issues posed by a new development.

Question 47

What does Approved Document M relate to?

Answer 47

Approved Document M - Access to and use of buildings.

Building regulation in England to ensure that people are able to access and use buildings and their facilities.

Question 48

How many parts is Part M split into and what does each relate to?

Answer 48

Split into 3 categories

1: visitable dwellings
2: accessible and adaptable dwellings
3: wheelchair user dwellings

• Categories 2 and 3 apply only where required by planning permission

Question 49

Does part M guarantee inclusive design?

Answer 49

Part M does not guarantee inclusive design. Instead it sets out minimum requirements to ensure that a broad range of people are able to access and use facilities.

Question 50

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

Answer 50

You can be breaking building regulations and in breach of the Equality Act 2010 - making it unlawful

Question 51

What is BS 8300?

Answer 51

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 52

What minimum standards does it provide?

Answer 52

It provides minimum standards and best practice for designing an accessible and inclusive environment. Including access routes and comprehensive layouts

Question 53

What does the NPPF say about inclusive design?

Answer 53

The NPPF defines ‘inclusive design’ as “designing the built environment, including buildings and their surrounding spaces, to ensure that they can be accessed and used by everyone

Question 54

How might the NPPF inclusive design be incorporated into local policy?

Answer 54

The National Planning Policy Framework (NPPF) sets out the Government’s economic, environmental and social planning policies for England. The policies set out in this framework apply to the preparation of local and neighbourhood plans and to decisions on planning applications.

Question 55

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

Answer 55

Proportion - doors that have disabled access

Movement - ramps and ample space

Question 56

How can inclusive environments be incorporated into the different stages of a building’s life cycle?

Answer 56

Inclusive environments can be incorporated into each part of the building life cycle.

Initial design - promoting and enabling inclusive environments
Design/refurbishment - accessibility is considered from various users perspective
Occupancy - ensure potential users of the space can do so despite disability

Question 57

How can you consult with key stakeholders?

Answer 57

5 Ways to Improve Relationships with Difficult Stakeholders
Identify the stakeholder’s concerns.
Communicate regularly and effectively.
Involve them in the decision-making process.
Address their concerns.
Build a positive relationship.

Question 58

Who might be key stakeholders?

Answer 58

Landlords, tenants and building managers

Question 59

What are the 5 stages of fire risk assessment?

Answer 59

1. Identify the hazard
2. Identify people at risk
3. Evaluate, remove or reduce the risks
4. Record your findings, prepare an emergency plan and provide training
5. Review and update the fire risk assessment regularly

Question 60

What is an FRA?

Answer 60

Fire risk assessment

Question 61

Who must undertake a FRA?

Answer 61

The person responsible for the premises

Question 62

How often must FRAs be reviewed?

Answer 62

In law, there are no specific time periods for how often fire risk assessments must be done or reviewed. It states that the responsible person for assessments in your building must review it ‘regularly’ to make sure it’s up to date.

However - it has become standard best practice to review the Fire Safety Risk Assessment annually.

Question 63

What legislation relates to fire safety?

Answer 63

Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005 (FSO) is the main piece of legislation governing fire safety in buildings in England and Wales.

The Fire Safety Act 2021 - clarified that the external walls, flat entrance doors and structure of buildings are all covered by the FSO and must be accounted for in fire risk assessments.

Question 64

What requirements does the Fire Safety (Regulatory Reform) Order 2005 introduce?

Answer 64

It places legal duties on anyone in control of these premises (the Responsible Person - usually the owner or landlord) to undertake a fire risk assessment and put in place and maintain general fire precautions.

Question 65

What is a PEEP?

Answer 65

Personal emergency evacuation plans

Question 66

What arrangements to evacuate might be in place?

Answer 66

Emergency escapes
Lit up walkways

Question 67

How does the 2005 Order relate to inclusive environments?

Answer 67

If there are disabled people on the premises then an evacuation plan must be in place for them

Question 68

What does visual clarity mean?

Answer 68

How effectively visual design conveys information

Question 69

What audibility systems are you aware of?

Answer 69

Hearing loops, also known as induction loops or audio frequency induction loop systems (AFILS), consist of a copper wire placed within a room, theatre, or counter that is connected via a special loop “driver” to a public address or sound system. Sound is wirelessly transmitted via small changes in the magnetic field and is directed into the telecoil of hearing aids, cochlear implants, or telecoil receivers worn on the body, like a neckloop.

FM or DM systems, or radio frequency assistive listening systems, transmit wireless, low-power FM frequency radio transmission from a sound system to FM receivers. Everyone using the system needs a receiver and either headphones or a neckloop. For those who have telecoil-equipped hearing aids, neckloops eliminate the need for headphones. These systems are widely used in schools to help children with hearing loss achieve their educational goals but they are also helpful for adults in many situations.

Infrared systems (IR) use invisible infrared light waves to transmit speech or music from a public address or sound system to an IR receiver. This technology is line-of-sight and can’t be used in direct sunlight. Because IR signals are sent and received in a straight line, users are encouraged to sit as centrally as possible.

Question 70

What employment law relates to inclusive environments?

Answer 70

Equality Act 2010 - it extends the obligations of service providers to all ‘controllers of let premises’. Service providers have a duty to make amendments to buildings.

The test is one of reasonableness. This includes:
Effectiveness
Practicality
Cost
Other resources available to the service provider

Question 71

Explain your corporate policy relating to inclusive environments

Answer 71

Our goal is to create a positive working environment for our people; one that fosters respect, support, wellbeing, safety and inclusivity.

Our Equity, Diversity and Inclusion (EDI) strategy aims to ensure that we foster an environment where all differences are valued, practices are equitable and everyone experiences a sense of belonging. Using our voluntary staff survey we are building a more detailed picture of our employees and the experience of different demographics so that we can set specific actions and targets to develop a more representative workforce. We have implemented training across all employees to raise awareness of EDI and use our People Committee to champion it.

Question 72

How do ethical considerations compare to legal requirements in relation to inclusive environments?

Answer 72

Ethical considerations - how you act or perceive things e.g. unconscious bias

Legal requirements - things that come under the Equality Act 2010 and the building regulations Part M

Question 73

Explain what the Changing Places campaign relates to

Answer 73

Changing Places is a British consortium and campaign which aims to improve accessible toilet facilities (established in 2005).

It maintains a list of toilets which meet its requirements - as of March 2020, 1460 had been registered.

Locations include 100 Tesco supermarkets, and the Tower of London.

Question 74

What is Fitwel?

Answer 74

Fitwel – also known as ‘facility innovations towards wellness environment leadership’ – is a healthy building certification system that focuses on improving the lives of occupants and local communities.

Question 75

Explain your understanding of the UK government’s disability strategy

Answer 75

The National Disability Strategy sets out the government’s vision to improve the everyday lives of disabled people. We want to ensure that disability is not a barrier to people living full, independent lives where they can reach their full potential.

ensuring businesses are aware of disabled people’s needs – including Guide Dog access needs – to allow all disabled people to live, work and shop freely and support for local authorities to ensure the playgrounds they build orrefurbish are accessible for disabled children.

Question 76

Difference between inclusion and inclusive environments

Answer 76

An inclusive environment allows everyone to feel welcomed and accepted regardless of their background or differences.

True inclusion centres on conquering barriers in the system that inhibit it from meeting the student’s needs