Inclusive Environments

Question 1

What is the definition of an inclusive environment?

Answer 1

‘one that can be accessed and used safely, easily and with dignity by everyone’, ‘does not physically or socially segregate, discriminate or isolate’ and ‘is well designed, functional, efficient and sustainable, and delivers an enhanced user experience’.

Question 2

What should an inclusive environment create?

Answer 2

Safe, accessible and functional space for everyone regardless of culture or physical or mental disability.

Question 3

What industry guidance are you aware of?

Answer 3

Equality Act 2010
National Planning Policy Framework (NPPF) s8
Approved Document M
British Standard BS 8300
Changing Places campaign

Question 4

Does it go beyond meeting minimum standards or legislative requirements?

Answer 4

Yes its a much more holistic approach to design and building functionality.

Question 5

How do you promote diversity of user needs?

Answer 5

Understand user needs
Apply universal design principles
Flexible design approach
Assess and review

Question 6

How do you promote inclusive environments?

Answer 6

Promote inclusive environments by incorporating universal design principles to create accessible and equitable spaces for all. Engage with a diverse range of stakeholders, follow relevant standards, and continuously gather feedback to ensure that environments meet the needs of all users.

Question 7

How can this create a safe working environment?

Answer 7

Inclusive environments create safe spaces to work by ensuring accessibility and safety for all employees, regardless of their abilities or backgrounds. This includes features like clear signage, well-lit pathways, ergonomic workstations, and step-free access, which minimise hazards and make workplaces welcoming and secure for everyone.

Question 8

Tell me about the diversity of user needs.

Answer 8

Anything that you might consider a protected characteristic, race, sex, disability, age, but also increasingly people with neuro divergence

Question 9

In relation to end users and potential needs, explain the principles of direct and indirect discrimination and unconscious bias.

Answer 9

Direct Discrimination: Treating someone less favourably due to a protected characteristic, such as age or gender.

Indirect Discrimination: A neutral policy that disproportionately disadvantages a group with a protected characteristic.

Unconscious Bias: Automatic, unintentional assumptions about people based on characteristics like race or gender, which can influence decisions and behaviour. More employable for having been to a private school.

Question 10

What legislation contributes to creating inclusive environments?

Answer 10

Equality Act 2010
Building regulations approved document M
BS 8300
NPPF

Question 11

What are key requirements for inclusive environments?

Answer 11

Accessibility
Clear Signage
Safety and Comfort
Flexible Spaces
Inclusive Communication
Diverse Consultation
Compliance with Legislation: Follow the Equality Act 2010 and Building Regulations Part M.

Question 12

What are protected Characteristics

Answer 12

age,
disability,
gender reassignment,
marriage and civil partnership (in employment only),
pregnancy and maternity,
race,
religion or belief,
sex,
and sexual orientation.

Question 13

What does the Equality Act 2010 provide?

Answer 13

Illegal to discriminate on the basis of protected characteristic.
Employers must make REASONABLE ADJUSTMENTS and POSITIVE ACTIONS to ensure equality (employment policy eg)

Question 14

How does it relate to service providers or controllers of let premises?

Answer 14

Do not discriminate
Understand tenants requirements
Make reasonable adjustments

Question 15

How is it enforced?

Answer 15

Pursued through civil legal action for damages,
EHRC

Question 16

How do the Equality Act 2010 and Building Regulations relate to each other?

Answer 16

Equality Act outlines the principles and Buildign standard defines the adjustments required to buildings to ensure inclusive environments.

Question 17

What does regulation 9 of the building regs cover:

Answer 17

Regulation 9 of the Building Regulations basically says some buildings and minor works don’t need full approval. EG agricultural buildings or green house, sheds Check details with a professional to see if your project qualifies for this exemption.

Question 18

What are the requirements under the Public Sector Equality Duty (PSED)?

Answer 18

Eliminate unlawful discrimination: This means avoiding any actions that could disadvantage someone based on a protected characteristic (age, disability, gender reassignment, etc.) as outlined in the Equality Act 2010.

Advance equality of opportunity: Public authorities should actively promote fair chances for everyone, regardless of their background or characteristics.

Foster good relations: This involves creating an inclusive environment where people from different backgrounds feel welcome, respected, and able to participate fully.

Question 19

What is an Access Statement?

Answer 19

Explains accessibility of a building/environment for people with disabilities.
Includes: building description, accessibility features, potential barriers, contact info.
Informs disabled visitors, helps with regulation compliance, shows commitment to inclusion.
Found displayed in building, on websites, or by contacting the manager

Question 20

What does Approved Document M relate to?

Answer 20

Approved Document M is a part of the UK Building Regulations that provides guidance on access to and use of buildings, including facilities for disabled visitors or occupants, and the ability to move through a building easily, including to toilets and bathrooms.

Question 21

What is BS 8300?

Answer 21

BS 8300 is a British Code of Practice that sets out the requirements of how buildings should be designed, constructed and maintained to meet the needs of disabled people as well as create an accessible and inclusive environment for them.

Question 22

What does NPPF say about inclusive design?

Answer 22

The NPPF defines ‘inclusive design’ as “designing the built environment, including buildings and their surrounding spaces, to ensure that they can be accessed and used by everyone.”90 The Planning Practice Guidance which sits under the NPPF sets this out in more detail.

Question 23

How might this be incorporated into local planning policy?

Answer 23

Change of use applications for buildings that are unfit for providing an inclusive environment. Specifically on public buildings.

Question 24

What key design principles can be used to achieve inclusive environments?

Answer 24

Consultation among users
Flexibility in design
Universal design principles

Question 25

What are the 5 stages of fire risk assessment?

Answer 25

1: Fire hazards.
2: People at risk.
3: Evaluate and act.
4: Record, plan and train.
5: Review.

Question 26

What is a FRA?

Answer 26

Fire Risk Assessment

Question 27

Who is obliged to undertake a fire risk assessment?

Answer 27

A Fire Risk Assessment is a legal requirement. If you are responsible for a building, for example a employer, owner or occupier of premises that aren’t a ‘single private dwelling’ (a private home), you need to make sure a suitably competent person completes a Fire Risk Assessment.

Question 28

What legislation covers fire risk.

Answer 28

The Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order (2005)

Question 29

What is a PEEP?

Answer 29

Personal Emergency Evacuation Plan

Question 30

What is your firms policy on creating inclusive environments?

Answer 30

The Firm’s Commitment:

Create a safe and respectful work environment free from harassment and bullying.
Value the diverse experiences, abilities, and skills of each employee.
Ensure a positive and productive work environment for all.

Unacceptable Behavior:

Harassment, bullying, or victimisation based on protected characteristics (race, religion, etc.) or any inappropriate behavior.
Behavior that causes stress, anxiety, or creates a hostile work environment.

Question 31

Explain what the Changing Places campaign relates to.

Answer 31

At the heart of the campaign is the call for Changing Places toilets to be installed in all big public spaces so that people can access their community.

Question 32

What is Fitwell?

Answer 32

Fitwel offers strategies for developing and maintaining optimum health-promoting environments, helping companies significantly boost their ESG scores, and associated ratings including GRESB.

Question 33

Explain your understanding of the UK government’s Disability Strategy.

Answer 33

The National Disability Strategy is a commitment by the Government to achieve changes that will help remove barriers, and improve outcomes and opportunities for disabled people.