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What is today's blog about?
RICS brought in new APC pathways for candidates enrolling from 1 August 2018. These include two amended/new mandatory competencies, Diversity, inclusion and teamworking and Inclusive environments.
Essential reading for AssocRICS and RICS APC candidates.
You can also listen to our CPD podcast on Anchor for more free AssocRICS and RICS APC training and support.
What is diversity, inclusion and teamworking?
RICS state that this competency 'covers the role of the surveyor within the team and their involvement with the establishment of the team. It deals with how team members interact, their behaviour and communication. It also looks at how to build a diverse and inclusive team and the resulting benefits for both the individual and the team'.
Things you should be thinking about include:
Teams - selection, appointment, roles, communication, formal reporting
Diversity - importance and business value
Partnering and collaborative working
Diversity and inclusion policies, e.g. non-discrimination and anti-harrassment
Unconscious bias
Supply chain management
Legislation, e.g. Equality Act 2010
Some key themes include:
Gender pay gap
RICS commitment to diversity and inclusion, e.g. RICS participation in Birmingham Pride in partnership with OpenLand (LGBTQ+ networking organisation for property and construction professionals in the Midlands)
RICS Inclusive Employer Quality Mark based on leadership, recruitment, culture and development
What are inclusive environments?
RICS state that this competency 'is about the principles and processes that deliver accessible and inclusive environments, recognising the diversity of user needs and the requirement to put people (of all ages and abilities) at the heart of the process.
An inclusive environment recognises and accommodates differences in the way people use the built and natural environment. It facilitates dignified, equal and intuitive use by everyone. It does not physically or socially separate, discriminate or isolate. It readily accommodates and welcomes diverse user needs.
These principles and processes apply to all buildings, places, and spaces, and to equipment, in and around new property or in the adaptation of existing property, as well as to services provided to the public. Particular regard should be given to buildings, places and spaces that are open to the public; sports and entertainment venues; schools, colleges and educational establishments; hospitals and health facilities; and residential care facilities; as well as commercial and employment buildings'.
Things you should be thinking about include:
Inclusive design - this isn't just about physical access, e.g. ramps or lifts, to remove barriers that create undue effort and separation, but design that enables everyone to participate equally, confidently and independently in everyday activitiesEconomic inequality and social cohesion
Equality Act 2010 - protected characteristics include age, disability, gender reassignment, race, religion or belief, sex, sexual orientation, marriage and civil partnership and pregnancy and maternity
Public Sector Equality Duty (PSED)
Approved Document M of the Building Regulations
National Planning Policy Framework 2 - identifies need for planning policies and decisions to create places that are safe, inclusive and accessible and which promote health and well-being
What should I be doing for my RICS APC?
If you are following one of the new pathways, then you will need to think about how both of these competencies fit into your professional and personal lives.
If you are following one of the old pathways, then you will still have Teamworking as a mandatory competency. Demonstrating your appreciation of diversity and inclusion in your submission or final assessment interview will certainly not go amiss.
Remember, have pride in what you do and who you are!
How can we help?
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Stay tuned for our next blog post to help build a better you
N.b. Nothing in this article constitutes legal or financial advice.