Diversity, Inclusion and Teamworking Flashcards
(36 cards)
What is diversity?
Differences in people e.g different social and ethnic backgrounds, genders, sexual orientations.
What is inclusion?
Creating an environment where everyone feels like they belong.
Please explain your understanding of the term workplace diversity?
The acceptance and inclusion of employees of all backgrounds. Ensuring diversity in the workplace is an important asset of an organisation as it acknowledges the individual strengths of each employee and the potential they bring.
What are some advantages of a diverse team?
● Increased productivity (broader range of skills)
● Increased creativity
● Improved cultural awareness
● Positive reputation
Please explain your understanding of inclusion within the workplace?
Creating an environment and culture where all company employees feel like they belong in the organisation. This results in every employee being comfortable to voice their opinions and that no one person feels excluded on the basis of their identity.
What are the protected characteristics under Equality Act 2010?
1) Gender reassignment
2) Sex
3) Sexual orientation
4) Age
5) Disability
6) Race
7) Religion or belief
8) Marriage and partnership
9) Pregnancy and maternity
What is inclusive communication?
Communicating with individuals using the most appropriate means for them and ensuring everyone can understand information shared. E.g. using objects, photos, body movement.
What are your firm’s diversity and inclusion policies?
● Procedures in place to avoid discrimination in recruitment and promotions
● Mandatory online training on diversity and inclusion
● Support such as HR and mental health first aiders
● All employees are empowered to raise concerns
What is unconscious bias?
Making judgments or decisions based on prior experience, our own personal deep-seated thought patterns, assumptions, and we are not aware that we are doing it.
How can you counteract unconscious bias?
1) Try to recognise and understand your unconscious biases
2) When making decisions consider whether they are based on facts or feelings
3) Consider whether the Equality Act 2010 protected characteristics are influencing your decisions
4) Speak out if you notice unconscious bias in others
What RICS guidance are you aware of on diversity and inclusion?
● Diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI) homepage.
● RICS Diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI) strategy 2024–2025?
● RICS Disability Inclusion Framework
What is the Memorandum of Understanding Action Plan?
A agreement signed by RICS and other built environment bodies (RTPI, RIBA, CIOB, ICE, Landscape Institute) in 2022 to create a more diverse, equitable and inclusive sector. The MoU requires these organisations to determine reasons for poor performance in this area through data collection and education.
What skill are required for effective teamworking?
1) Listening
2) Discussing
3) Persuading
4) Respect
5) Helping
6) Sharing information
7) Participating
8) Communication
9) Reflection
What is direct and indirect discrimination?
Direct - when someone is put at a disadvantage or treated less favourably because of a ‘protected characteristic’. e.g. not giving someone a job because they are female.
Indirect - treating all employees the same but this puts certain employees at a disadvantage e.g. no breaks meaning people can’t pray.
Tell me about an example of where you have worked well in a team?
Bro Tathan - reviewing physical conditions records. NEC Supervisor had site knowledge input whereas I had contractual knowledge input.
What did you learn from reading the RICS Diversity, Equity and Inclusion homepage?
I focused on the actions for smaller firms as this is most relevant to my firm:
● Recruit to attract a wider range of talent – consider where and how you advertise
● Write job descriptions and adverts to be inclusive
● Consider flexible working practices to attract and retain more talent
● Put in place policies covering: acceptable behaviour, parental leave and caring responsibilities, adjustments and well-being
● Create consistent onboarding processes
● Think about how you measure performance and reward it – does it exclude anyone?
● Ask staff about the culture of your company and your behaviour as a leader
● Organise staff events that everyone can attend and enjoy
What is equity vs equality?
Equality - treating everyone the same
Equity - giving people what they need to be successful, recognising different people may need different support.
What is a common issue you have come across when working in a team?
1) Poor communication
2) Misunderstandings
3) Conflicting priorities
4) Personality clashes
5) Different working styles
6) Lack of clarity in job roles
What is partnering and collaborative working?
Working together to achieve shared goals and benefit mutually.
What is a RACI matrix?
A project management tool that clearly defines roles and responsibilities for each task within a project. For each task stakeholders are marked as either:
● Responsible
● Accountable
● Consulted
● Informed
What is a strategic alliance?
A agreement between two or more companies to collaborate on a specific project or goal, while each company remains independent.
Explain your understanding of supply chain management?
The coordination of all activities involved in getting a product or service from its raw materials to the end consumer, including planning, sourcing, production, logistics, and returns.
What legislation relates to selecting a project team?
Equality Act 2010.
What are the requirements of the Equality Act 2010?
Requires individuals and organisations to treat others equally and fairly, regardless of protected characteristics. Including:
● Prohibits discrimination based on protected characteristics
● Employers must make reasonable adjustment for those with disabilities
● Equal pay for men and women for the same or similar work
