Inclusive Environments

Question 1

What are the benefits of creating inclusive spaces within the built environment?

Answer 1

Allows the participation of people with a diverse range of needs and abilities

Question 2

What is an inclusive environment?

Answer 2

An environment designed and managed to allow people with diverse needs and abilities to access and use it

Question 3

What does the Equality Act 2010 cover?

Answer 3

Provides protection against a range of inequality, identifying 9 protected characteristics and 4 types of illegal discrimination

Question 4

How can inclusivity be considered at different stages of a property lifecycle?

Answer 4

• Design/ refurbishment - Considering needs and perspectives (physical and social)
• Occupancy - management which considers potential users of the space and their needs

Question 5

What are some examples of good practice relating to inclusivity in the design and management of built spaces?

Answer 5

Ensuring inclusivity at all stages of the building lifecycle -
Design - budget for accessibility and inclusivity, embed principles into brief and design, consult users
Occupation - Audit features and maintain them, monitor changes and embed them in planned maintenance, consider user feedback

e.g. Physical disabilities - ramps, lifts, low windows and buttons
Neurodiversity - Colour schemes, lighting, acoustics
Buildings clearly sign posted, automatic doors, appropriate space for different users

Question 6

What value can inclusive environments bring to owners and occupiers?

Answer 6

Occupiers - enables everyone to participate equally within a space
Owners - allows a range of occupiers

Question 7

What factors can lead to social isolation?

Answer 7

Long term health conditions, mental health, disabilities
Transport issues
Exposure to violence
Unemployment

Question 8

What 4 types of illegal discrimination are covered by the Equality Act?

Answer 8

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

Question 9

How was the requirement to make reasonable adjustments to environments extended under the 2010 Equality Act?

Answer 9

• Extends obligations to all controllers of let premises
• Landlords need to ensure that dealings with tenants with protected characteristics are compliant with the Act
• Service providers need to make reasonable alterations/ alternative provisions to avoid disability discrimination
• Access statements/audits required for all properties - detailing access/ alternative arrangements

Question 10

What is a test for reasonableness of adjustments under the Equality Act 2010?

Answer 10

1. Effectiveness of the adjustment for the disabled person
2. Practicality of the adjustment
3. Financial cost and likely disruption
4. Financial and other resources available to the service provider

Question 11

Who has responsibility to ensure inclusive environments?

Answer 11

‘Controllers of let premises’ - Landlords, occupying tenants
Building managers
Service providers

Question 12

What should those with responsibility to ensure inclusive environments consider?

Answer 12

• Physical and mental health issues which may lead to varying accessibility requirements
• Factors leading to social isolation
• Policy and legal requirements relating to accessibility - planning policy, Equality Act 2010, building regulations, health and safety laws

Question 13

What requirements of the Equality Act 2010 are relevant to Real Estate practice?

Answer 13

• Requirements for ‘controllers of let premises’ to make reasonable adjustments to the premises
• This includes building managers
• Lettings and sales must not be undertaken in a way which victimises, harasses or discriminates against a person

Question 14

What do landlords need to ensure under the Equality Act 2010?

Answer 14

All dealings with occupiers with protected characteristics do not discriminate, harass or victimize them.

Question 15

Where are most of the requirements of the Equality Act 2010 embedded in the Building Regulations?

Answer 15

Part M

Question 16

What were the requirements for adjustment for disabled people, prior to the the introduction of the Equality Act 2010?

Answer 16

Prior to the act, there was an existing requirement to make reasonable adjustments to help disabled people if they would be placed at a substantial disadvantage if the work wasn’t carried out.

Question 17

You notice an obstacle for disabled access at a property you’re inspecting, what would you advise your client?

Answer 17

That under the Equality Act 2010, they have an obligation to remove or alter the feature, or to provide a reasonable means of alternative access to the service. They are required to document this in an access statement/ audit.