Inclusive Environments

Question 1

What are inclusive environments?

Answer 1

• They accommodate for the different ways people use buildings, allowing equal and intuitive use for everyone.
• They do not physically or socially separate, isolate or discriminate.

Question 2

What is discrimination?

Answer 2

The unjust treatment of different categories of people on the grounds of:
- Race
- Religion
- Age
- Disability
- Sex

Question 3

Are there any Building Regulations associated with inclusive environments?

Answer 3

Yes, Approved Document M - Access to and use of buildings.

Question 4

Can you provide a summary of how this document applies to this competency?

Answer 4

It provides guidance on:
- ease of access to and use of buildings, including facilities for disabled visitors or occupants, and the ability to move through a building easily.
- the use of ramps, steps and minimum widths of corridors, stairs and doorways.
- the access and use of extensions made to buildings other than dwellings, and access to bathrooms in these structures.

Question 5

Can you provide tangible examples of how a building can be inclusive?

Answer 5

• Physical access, e.g. ramps, lifts, accessible toilets for wheelchair users.
• Hearing loops
• Dedicated feeding areas for new parents
• Accessible parking bays near the building entrance
• Contrasting colours in key building elements to assist the partially sighted, e.g. stair nosings, door frames, plug sockets
• Clear signage

Question 6

What is the key regulation which legally protects people from discrimination in the workplace and wider society?

Answer 6

Equality Act 2010.

Question 7

What is the Equality Act 2010?

Answer 7

The Act legally protects people from discrimination in the workplace and in wider society.

Question 8

What are protected characteristics under the Act?

Answer 8

It’s illegal to discriminate against someone based on any protected characteristics which are:
- Race
- Religion
- Age
- Disability
- Sex
- Sexual orientation
- Gender reassignment
- Marriage and civil partnership
- Pregnancy and maternity

Question 9

Name the key legislations relating to inclusive environments and define them

Answer 9

• Equality Act 2010
• Approved Document M of the Building Regulations
• National planning policy framework 2: planning officers ensure that inclusive design is considered and included before granting planning permission.
• Public Sector Equality Duty (PSED): duty on public authorities to consider how their policies or decisions affect those protected under the Equality Act.

Question 10

How is alinea inclusive?

Answer 10

• alinea is an equal opportunities employer.
• alinea also celebrates different cultures, for example we had celebrations for Christmas, Chinese New Year and Persian New Year.