Inclusive Environments

Question 1

What is the definition of an inclusive environment?

Answer 1

One that can be accessed and used safely, easily and with dignity by everyone

Question 2

How to do you create an inclusive environment?

Answer 2

Comply with legislation including the Equality Act 2010, Building Regulations Part M and go over and above this to include inclusive design factors such as prayer rooms.

Question 3

Relevant legislation?

Answer 3

Equality Act 2010, Building Regulations Part M

Question 4

Network Rails commitment to inclusive design?

Answer 4

• Work with NR Built Environment Accessibility Panel to make sure our designs follow inclusive principles including putting people at the heart of the design process ensuring they can use the railway safely, easily and with dignity and being responsive to peoples needs
• Built Environment Accessibility Panel – independent panel of experts to assist NR deliver an inclusive and accessible rail built environment and provide technical advice on design and management. Membership is voluntary and panel meets every month.

Question 5

Inclusive environment in the workplace?

Answer 5

Environment and culture, where employees feel they belong

Question 6

What is inclusive design?

Answer 6

Design that factors in ways to make places and environments everyone can use easily, safely and with dignity

Question 7

What are the principles of inclusive design?

Answer 7

6 principles outlined by the construction industry council including:
* Doing more than just complying with legislation and codes
* Seeking multiple views to solve accessibility and inclusivity challenges

Question 8

What is reasonable adjustment?

Answer 8

Changes an employer makes to remove or reduce a disadvantage related to someone’s disability.

For example: making changes to the workplace e.g., area in office for guide dog, changing someone’s working arrangements finding a different way to do something providing equipment, services or support

Question 9

Summary of Part M?

Answer 9

Provides guidance about ease of access to, and use of, buildings, including lifts, ramps, handrails, doors and entrances, tactile paving, disabled parking bays. Buildings regs are minimum standards, not inclusive design.

Question 10

What does your client/industry do regarding Inclusive Environments?

Answer 10

• My Employer has prayer rooms in offices.
• My current client Network Rail has accessibility policies for station accessibility including accessible ticket machines, induction loop at ticket counters and ramps for train access.
• Diversity impact assessments are undertaken on projects to look at impacts of protected characteristics under equality act. Looks at during construction e.g., noise affecting visually impaired where people may rely more on hearing and looks at during operation e.g., MSLs will make crossings more user friendly as will not have to rely on phoning signaller, and size of text on signs to meet current standards.

Question 11

What inclusive design features have you seen on your projects?

Answer 11

Tactile paving compliance with Part M and hearing loops at stations.

Question 12

Can you give an example of how the understanding and appreciation of a diverse and inclusive environment has been captured in one of your projects?

Answer 12

Undertake diversity impact assessments. Looks at impacts of protected characteristics under equality act. Looks at during construction e.g., noise affecting visually impaired where people may rely more on hearing and looks at during operation e.g., MSLs will make crossings more user friendly as will not have to rely on phoning signaller, and size of text on signs to meet current standards.

Question 13

Considerations in designing buildings?

Answer 13

Prayer rooms, breastfeeding areas.

Question 14

How do you think diversity and inclusive environments helps deliver a successful project?

Answer 14

Meets client needs, can be used by everyone safely, with ease and dignity and complies with legislation.