Diversity And Inclusivity, Inclusive Environments

Question 1

What do you reference documents do you use to recognise diversity of user needs?

Answer 1

• Equality Act 2010
• Planning Regs (NPFF, Local Plan)
• Building Regs (Doc M)
• British Standards (BS 8300-2:2018)

Question 2

What are ‘reasonable adjustments’?

Answer 2

Adjustments to be made if someone with a disability is at a disadvantage compared to those without a disability.

EG.
Physical - build ramp next to stairs
Administrative - allowing more time for dyslexic people, changing times/locations to suit people with mental health issues
Allow assistance dog, despite “no dogs at work” policy

Question 3

What are the 9 protected characteristics under the Equality Act 2010?

Answer 3

Age, Disability, Sex, Gender Reassignment, Race, Religion or Belief, Sexual Orientations, Marriage and Civil Partnership, Pregnancy and Maternity.

Question 4

What do you understand by the term ‘unconscious bias’?

Answer 4

• Predetermined disposition and assumptions (unintentional stereotypes) which causes discrimination without knowing, commonly influenced by upbringing
• Occurs when people favour others who look like them and/or share their values-
• Behaviour which reinforces the bias is noticed whilst behaviour which does not is ignored. This is how decisions based on unconscious bias are justified.

Question 5

How can you mitigate unconscious bias?

Answer 5

• Be aware
• Don’t rush decisions
• Justify decisions with facts- Focus on positive behaviour of people rather than negative stereotypes
• • Implement policies and procedures to limit the influence of individual characteristics and preferences

Question 6

What is the duty on service providers under the Equality Act?

Answer 6

• To take reasonable steps to avoid a provision, criterion or practice which puts a disabled person at a substantial disadvantage
• ## To avoid a physical feature which puts a disabled person at a substantial disadvantage
• To take reasonable steps to provide an auxiliary aid where a disabled person would, without it, be put at a substantial disadvantage.

Question 7

What does it mean by “reasonable” adjustment?

Answer 7

Practical
Affordable
Will have desired effect
Won’t affect H&S of others