Inclusive Environments Flashcards
What is the Equality Act 2010?
The Equality Act 2010 is a piece of primary legislation that forms the basis of anti-discrimination law in the UK.
Under this Act, a duty is placed on service providers and bodies providing a public function to make reasonable adjustments where someone is disadvantaged because of a disability. This aims to provide equal access for disabled users of goods, services and premises.
What did the Equality Act 2010 replace?
The Equality Act replaced 9 pieces of equality legislation including;
The Sex Discrimination Act 1975
The Race Relations Act 1976
The Disability Discrimination Act 1995
Equal Pay Act 1970
What are the protected characteristics under the Equality Act 2010?
Protected Characteristics include; Age, Disability, Gender Reassignment, Marital Status, Pregnancy or Maternity, Race, Religion, Sex and Sexual Orientation
What are planners responsibilities under the Equality Act 2010?
Under Section 149, planning authorities, through the execution of their functions, have a duty to have regard to the need to:
- Eliminate unlawful discrimination, harassment and victimisation.
- Advance equality of opportunity.
- Foster good relations between communities.
What is an inclusive environment?
The Construction Industry Council (CIC) define an inclusive environment as ‘one that can be accessed and used safely, easily and with dignity by everyone’, ‘does not physically or socially segregate, discriminate or isolate’ and ‘is well designed, functional, efficient and sustainable, and delivers an enhanced user experience’.
The RICS defines an inclusive environment as recognising and accommodating “differences in the way people use the built environment. If 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. “
How can you demonstrate inclusive design?
Demonstrate compliance with BS8300 and Approved Document M (access to and use of buildings) and K (protection from falling, collision and impact) of the Building Regulations.
BS 8300 goes beyond minimum requirements set out in Part M. Does not apply to individual residential dwellings. Relates to issues such as lighting external areas, ramp gradients and rises, accessible viewing for audience seating, sanitary facilities, WC layout and baby change facilities. Part M sets out minimum accessibility requirements that should be met under the Building Act 1984. Meeting Building Regulations does not guarantee an inclusive design and won’t necessarily prevent a case being taken under the Equalities Act.
What is included within BS8300?
BS8300’s guidelines are vast and extend to:
* Entrances
* Door fittings
* Steps, stairs and ramps
* Corridors and passageways
* Surface finishes
* Visual signs
* Lighting
* Storage facilities
* Provision of seating
What is included within Part M regarding inclusive design?
Part M of the building regulations sets out the minimum accessibility requirements which should be met under the Building Act 1984;
1: Access to Buildings other than dwellings – This covers areas such as approach from the boundary and ca parking, stepped and ramped access etc.
2: Access into Buildings – This section lists the requirements of doors to accessible entrances, powered and manually operated doors, lobbies, glass entrances etc.
3: Horizontal and vertical circulation in Buildings – This covers the entrance areas, reception halls, internal lobbies, vertical circulation, passenger lifts, internal ramps etc.
4: Facilities in Buildings – refreshment facilities, sleeping arrangements, audience seating and spectator facilities etc. get covered in this section
5: Sanitary accommodation in buildings – Requirements for provisions of toilet, wheelchair accessible toilets and showers, separate sex washrooms etc. are listed in this section
What is included within Part K regarding inclusive design?
1: Stairs and ladders – Contains guidance on steepness, construction, headroom, landings, handrails, guarding, and so on.
2: Ramps – Contains guidance on construction, obstruction, handrails, landings, guarding, and so on.
What is an un-inclusive environment?
An environment that interferes with the enjoyment of someone’s participation with the activities within.
What is the Inclusive Employer Quality Mark?
In 2015 RICS launched the Inclusive Employer Quality Mark as a response to the sector being behind other professions in moving towards a more diverse and inclusive workforce.
The RICS is one of 183 companies (of all sizes) to have since signed up to the IEQM.
What are the 4 principles of IEQM?
Leadership - Demonstrate inclusivity
Recruitment - Attract an inclusive workforce
Culture - Promote an inclusive culture
Development - training and promotion policies
What are some benefits of IEQM?
Enhanced Corporate Reputation
Improved Profitability
Greater Market Attractiveness
What is PSED?
The Public Sector Equality Duty (PSED) is a duty on public authorities to consider their facilities and services and the effects of them on people protected under the Equality Act. In addition to the duty to make reasonable adjustments within the Equality Act, many public authorities are subject to the Public Sector Equality Duty (PSED).The PSED goes over and above physical access to a building, and requires authorities to have due regard to:
- Eliminate unlawful discrimination.
- Advance equality of opportunity between people who share a protected characteristic and those who don’t.
- Foster or encourage good relations between people who share a protected characteristic and those who don’t.
What are the principles of inclusive environments?
The Construction Industry Council (CIC) publishes a guide called “Essential Principles for Built Environment professionals”. This sets out 6 principles for creating inclusive environments:
- Contribute to building an inclusive society now and in the future
- apply professional and responsible judgement and take a leadership role
- apply and integrate the principles of inclusive design from the outset of a project
-Do more than just comply with legislation and codes
- Seek multiple views to solve accessibility and inclusivity challenges
- Acquire the skills, knowledge, understanding and confidence to make inclusion the norm, not the exception
