INCLUSIVE ENVIRONMENTS - Level 1

Question 1

What is an inclusive environment?

Answer 1

An inclusive environment recognises and accommodates differences in the way people use the built and natural environment.
It allows for its use in a dignified and equal manner for all (now and in the future).

Question 2

What legislation do you need to consider when ensuring inclusivity?

Answer 2

• Equality Act 2010

* Building Regulations – Part M (Access to and Use of Buildings)

Question 3

Can you give me some examples of what considerations you need to have when dealing with Part M?

Answer 3

• Sizes of spaces flats, wheelchair requirements - grab rails , turning circles etc
• Ramps
• Level access etc
• Parking
• Bathroom sizes

Question 4

Can you talk me through some of the space standards that you mention in your summary and explain how these contribution to the inclusivity of the environment you are constructing on one of you affordable housing projects?

Answer 4

London Plan 2021
Housing Guide and Quality Standards SPD
•	Bedroom and flat sizes – so all affordable tenures have equal space
•	Providing outdoor space
•	Floor to ceiling heights
•	Aspect/outlook

Question 5

Can you explain to me your understanding of the term tenure blind? What does this mean in practice and how could you go about delivering this ambition on one of your projects?

Answer 5

Term detailed in London Plan – where this is essentially aiming to ensure those within affordable tenures are equal / not excluded.
Some examples are shared play spaces ,
pepperpotting tenures ,
same finishes communal areas – Colville 2c

Question 6

Are you aware of any other technical or design standards that may contribute to inclusivity improvement?

Answer 6

• BS8300 : defines the best practices for designing an accessible and inclusive environment

Question 7

Can you talk me through two ways in which your company’s office is an inclusive environment?

Answer 7

• No segregated areas / offices – staff of all levels sit together
• Design to have easy access for disable users including toilet facilities , level access, lifts

Question 8

10. Are you aware of area where planning policy may have an impact on the development of inclusive environments?

Answer 8

London Plan requirement for minimum 10% wheelchair user housing to be provided in schemes.

Question 9

What is IEQM?

Answer 9

Inclusive Employer Quality Mark (IEQM) introduced by RICS , Employers sign up to comitt to inclusive employmenr

Question 10

Benefits of inclusive / diverse workplaces

Answer 10

Proven more profitable,

Encourages different thoughts, ideas, problem solving ,