Diversity, Inclusion and Teamworking

Question 1

What is the purpose of the Equality Act 2010?

Answer 1

Legally protects people from discrimination in the workplace and wider society, advance equality and foster good relations.

Question 2

What are the 9 protected characteristics?

Answer 2

1. Age
2. Disability
3. Gender reassignment
4. Marriage and civils partnership
5. Pregnancy and maternity
6. Race
7. Religion or belief
8. Sex
9. Sexual orientation

Question 3

What are the four types of discrimination under the Equality Act?

Answer 3

1. Direct
2. Indirect
3. Harassment
4. Victimisation

Question 4

Unconscious bias?

Answer 4

Unconscious bias occurs when people favour others who are similar to them and/or share their values. Where unconscious bias is against a protected characteristic, it can be discriminatory.

Question 5

What does diversity mean to you?

Answer 5

Diversity to me means different people, from different background and cultures, along with different skills and characteristics and not discriminating against any of these factors.

Question 6

What are the principles and behaviors/characteristics of effective teams?

Answer 6

Trust, honesty, openness, collaboration, diversity, inclusion.

Question 7

What is neurodiversity?

Answer 7

Neurodiversity describes the idea that people experience and interact with the world around them in many different ways; there is no one “right” way of thinking, learning, and behaving, and differences are not viewed as deficits. Commonly linked to autism, ADHD or learning difficulties.

Question 8

How can neurodiversity have an impact on effective teams?

Answer 8

Recognisng and emphasising each person’s individual strengths and talents while also providing support for their differences and needs will lead to more effective and productive teams

Question 9

How can you make workplaces neurodiversity-friendly?

Answer 9

Sound sensitivity areas, do not make assumptions of peoples needs, be patient, clear communication

Question 10

Why should you have a diverse team

Answer 10

To encourage different ways of thinking, different experiences and skillsets will help reach solutions and create ideas to support positive project outcomes.

Question 11

What does the RICS do to promote ED&I (DEI)

Answer 11

Rule 4 of rules of conduct

Inclusive employer quality mark - asks employers to pledge their commitment to adopting and continually improving against the principles including Recruitment and staff retention.

DEI guidance on RICS website under RICS Standards and Guidance, Conduct and Competence section e.g. on inclusive culture and every day life at work – lead by example, foster psychological safety

Question 12

How does your company promote ED&I?

Answer 12

• ED&I Representatives & Steering Group
• Inclusion moments at the start of team meetings to discuss ED&I issues
• ED&I intranet site

Question 13

Can you explain what equal opportunity is?

Answer 13

The policy of giving everyone the same opportunities for employment, pay, and promotion, without discriminating against particular groups or characteristics (e.g., sex, race etc.)