GPA achieves Inclusive Environments Recognition from the CIC
We have been awarded Inclusive Environments Recognition at organisational level by the CIC for our commitment to creating accessible and inclusive environments
GPA ACHIEVES INCLUSIVE ENVIRONMENTS RECOGNITION FROM THE CIC
The Government Property Agency (GPA) has been awarded Inclusive Environments Recognition at organisational level by the Construction Industry Council (CIC).
CIC’s scheme recognises organisations that commit to creating accessible and inclusive environments for everyone that uses or visits their spaces. This means workplaces are designed based on building users’ needs to ensure they all feel welcome and accepted. It goes beyond the legal and moral responsibilities of inclusivity and diversity.
Inclusive design is defined as “a design process in which a product, service, or environment is designed to be usable for as many people as possible, particularly groups who are traditionally excluded from being able to use an interface or navigate an environment.” (source Wikipedia). This includes people who might be excluded or treated differently due to age, race, colour, gender, sexual orientation, physical disability or mental illness.
The Inclusive Environments Recognition scheme focuses on delivering six essential principles:
* Strategic commitment to achieving an accessible and inclusive environment
* Implement an Inclusive Development Process
* Budget commitment to implement an Inclusive Design Strategy
* Procurement processes ensures inclusive design principles will be met
* Engage Access and Inclusive Design expertise
* Monitor and appraise, and use lesson learnt in future projects
Jonathan Eccles, Head of Workplace Design at the GPA, said: “I am very proud to receive this award on behalf of the GPA. We are at the forefront of inclusive workplace design, ensuring our class-leading inclusive design standards are incorporated into all our projects from the outset, and not treated as aspirational or a ‘nice to have’.
“The GPA is responsible for delivering the Government’s property agenda across its office and warehouse portfolios. This means our work has a direct impact on the performance of the UK’s Civil Service, making it essential that we create work spaces that allow civil servants to feel safe, accepted and welcomed irrespective of who they are.”
The CIC is the representative forum for the professional bodies, research organisations and specialist business associations in the construction industry. More information can be found here.