Inclusive environments Flashcards
What is the definition of an inclusive environment?
An environment designed to be accessible, usable, and welcoming to all people, regardless of ability, age, gender, or background.
What should an inclusive environment create?
Equitable access, social integration, and ease of use for all individuals.
What should inclusive environments facilitate?
Independence, safety, and dignity for all users.
What inclusive environment industry guidance are you aware of?
BS 8300: Design of an Accessible and Inclusive Built Environment.
Approved Document M: Access to and Use of Buildings.
The National Planning Policy Framework (NPPF).
Equality Act 2010 requirements.
Do inclusive environments go beyond meeting minimum standards or legislative requirements?
Yes, best practice aims to exceed minimum standards to create truly inclusive spaces.
Why is it important to provide choice for inclusive environments?
Different users have different needs; flexibility ensures equitable access and usability.
How do you promote diversity of user needs?
By considering mobility, sensory, cognitive, and social needs in design and service provision.
How do you promote inclusive environments?
Implementing accessible design principles in planning and construction.
Consulting with key stakeholders (e.g., disability groups).
How can this create a safe working environment?
Ensures barrier-free movement, emergency egress, and workplace adjustments.
Tell me about the diversity of user needs.
Physical disabilities (e.g., wheelchair access).
Sensory impairments (e.g., visual contrast, tactile paving).
Neurodiversity (e.g., quiet spaces, clear signage).
What is cultural change?
A shift in attitudes, policies, and behaviours towards inclusivity.
How can this be problematic?
Resistance to change, cost concerns, or lack of awareness.
How can this be achieved?
Education, consultation, and leadership commitment.
In relation to end users and potential needs, explain the principles of direct and indirect discrimination and unconscious bias.
Direct discrimination: Treating someone less favourably due to a protected characteristic.
Indirect discrimination: Policies that disproportionately disadvantage certain groups.
Unconscious bias: Implicit preferences influencing decisions unknowingly.
What legislation contributes to creating inclusive environments?
Equality Act 2010.
Building Regulations (Part M).
Public Sector Equality Duty (PSED).
What primary and secondary legislation are you aware of?
Primary: Equality Act 2010, Building Act 1984.
Secondary: Building Regulations 2010, Fire Safety Order 2005.
Tell me about the NPPF/Equality Act 2010/Building Regulations.
NPPF: Encourages inclusive design in local planning policy.
Equality Act 2010: Legally requires reasonable adjustments.
Building Regulations (Part M): Sets minimum accessibility standards.
What are key requirements for inclusive environments?
Step-free access, contrast signage, accessible WCs, adjustable workspaces.
On what scales might you advise on inclusive environments?
Building-level, estate-wide, and urban planning scales.
What is inclusive or universal design?
Designing for all users, regardless of ability, without need for adaptation.
What is economic inequality?
Unequal access to resources and opportunities based on financial status.
What is social cohesion?
A harmonious society where all individuals feel valued and included.
What is gentrification?
Regeneration increasing property prices.
What issues might it cause?
Potentially displacing existing communities.
What are the protected characteristics under the Equality Act 2010?
Age, disability, gender reassignment, marriage/civil partnership, pregnancy/maternity, race, religion, sex, sexual orientation.
What does the Equality Act 2010 provide?
Protection from discrimination and a duty to make reasonable adjustments.
How does it relate to service providers or controllers of let premises?
Landlords must provide reasonable adjustments for disabled tenants.
What does it say in relation to reasonable adjustments?
Changes must be proportionate, practical, and necessary to remove barriers.
How is it enforced?
Through the Equality and Human Rights Commission (EHRC) and courts.
What changes to physical features might be made? What are examples of auxiliary aids and services?
Wider doorways, ramps, lifts, tactile signage.
When would you specify either a change to a physical feature or an auxiliary aid/service?
Hearing loops, braille signs, screen readers.
How do the Equality Act 2010 and Building Regulations relate to each other?
Building Regulations set minimum physical accessibility requirements; the Equality Act requires ongoing accessibility adjustments.
What does Regulation 9 say?
New public buildings must be accessible to all users.
How long is an exemption under this valid for?
5 years, subject to review.
What are the requirements under the Public Sector Equality Duty (PSED)?
Public bodies must eliminate discrimination and advance equality.
Who does this apply to?
Government, local authorities, and public service providers.
How is it enforced?
Equality Act 2010 – Enforced through civil courts if discrimination or failure to provide reasonable adjustments is claimed.
Building Regulations (Approved Document M) – Enforced by local authority building control or approved inspectors, ensuring compliance before completion.
What is an Access Statement?
A document explaining how a development meets inclusive design standards.
What does Approved Document M relate to?
Access to and use of buildings for disabled people.
How many parts is Part M split into and what does each relate to?
Three parts:
1. Dwellings.
2. Non-domestic buildings.
3. Common areas of buildings.
Does it guarantee inclusive design?
No, it sets minimum standards; best practice goes beyond these.
What happens if you deviate from this and a user is subject to substantial disadvantage as a result of design?
If a design deviates from Approved Document M, and a disabled user faces a substantial disadvantage, the building owner could:
Face legal action under the Equality Act 2010.
Be refused Building Regulations approval.
Have to modify the design at additional cost.
What is BS 8300?
A British Standard for accessible building design.
What minimum standards does it provide?
Step-free access, lift dimensions, WC layouts, signage contrast.
What does NPPF say about inclusive design?
Encourages local planning policies to prioritise accessibility.
How might this be incorporated into local planning policy?
Local authorities can integrate inclusive design by:
Requiring accessibility statements in planning applications.
Mandating compliance with standards like BS 8300 and Approved Document M.
Promoting inclusive public spaces through Local Plans and Design Codes.
Encouraging developers to exceed minimum accessibility requirements.
What key design principles can be used to achieve inclusive environments?
Equitable use, flexibility, simplicity, perceptible information.
How can inclusive environments be incorporated into the different stages of a building’s life cycle?
Planning, design, construction, operation, maintenance.
How can you consult with key stakeholders?
Key stakeholders include disabled users, access consultants, planners, and local disability groups. Consultation methods include:
Public consultations and workshops.
Stakeholder meetings with accessibility groups.
User testing of facilities before finalising designs.
Engagement with local disability organisations for feedback.
Who might be key stakeholders?
Local authorities, accessibility consultants, disabled groups, building managers.
What are the 5 stages of fire risk assessment?
- Identify hazards.
- Identify people at risk.
- Evaluate risks and implement controls.
- Record findings and train staff.
- Review and update regularly.
What is a FRA?
FRA = Fire Risk Assessment.
Required under the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005.
Who must undertake them?
The Responsible Person (e.g., building owner, employer, or facilities manager) must ensure an FRA is conducted by a competent fire safety professional.
How often must they be reviewed?
Annually, or whenever significant changes occur (e.g., building alterations, occupancy changes).
High-risk buildings (e.g., care homes) may require more frequent reviews.
What legislation relates to fire safety?
Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005 – Applies to all non-domestic buildings.
Building Safety Act 2022 – Introduces stricter fire safety requirements for high-rise buildings.
Fire Safety Act 2021 – Clarifies that external walls and balconies must be included in fire risk assessments.
What requirements does the Fire Safety (Regulatory Reform) Order 2005 introduce?
Requires the Responsible Person to:
Conduct and maintain a Fire Risk Assessment (FRA).
Implement fire precautions (e.g., escape routes, alarms, extinguishers).
Provide fire safety training for staff and occupants.
What is a PEEP?
Personal Emergency Evacuation Plan for individuals needing assistance.
What arrangements to evacuate might be in place?
Simultaneous Evacuation – Common in offices and smaller buildings.
Personal Emergency Evacuation Plans (PEEPs) – For disabled individuals requiring assistance.
Refuge Areas – Safe waiting points for those needing help.
How does the 2005 Order relate to inclusive environments?
The 2005 Order requires fire safety measures to be accessible for all, including:
Clear and accessible escape routes for wheelchair users.
Tactile and visual signage for visually impaired individuals.
Audible and visual fire alarms for hearing-impaired occupants.
What does visual clarity mean?
Visual clarity refers to clear, unobstructed design elements that aid wayfinding and accessibility.
Includes high-contrast signage, well-lit corridors, and clear sightlines.
Important for visually impaired users and general navigation safety.
What audibility systems are you aware of?
Voice Alarm Systems – Spoken fire evacuation messages.
Induction Loops – Assistive hearing systems for hearing aid users.
Vibrating or flashing alarm devices – Used in accessible environments for deaf individuals.
What employment law relates to inclusive environments?
Equality Act 2010 ensures workplace accessibility.
Explain your corporate policy relating to inclusive environments.
Our corporate policy follows RICS Inclusive Environments Guidance, ensuring:
Compliance with Equality Act 2010 & Building Regulations.
Accessible workplace design.
Engagement with diverse stakeholders in property development.
Ongoing staff training on accessibility best practices.
How do ethical considerations compare to legal requirements in relation to inclusive environments?
Legal requirements (e.g., Equality Act 2010, Building Regulations) provide a minimum compliance threshold.
Ethical considerations go further by actively promoting inclusivity.
Explain what the Changing Places campaign relates to.
Advocates for fully accessible toilets with hoists and space for carers.
What is Fitwell?
A certification system for healthy buildings.
Explain your understanding of the UK government’s Disability Strategy.
The UK National Disability Strategy (2021) aims to improve accessibility, opportunities, and quality of life for disabled people across housing, workplaces, transport, and public services.
