黑洞社区

Professional bodies the RICS and the RIBA are launching new schemes to improve diversity and inclusivity in the surveying and architecture professions.

Next month the RICS will launch an 鈥業nclusive Employer Quality Mark鈥� initiative, with surveying firms encouraged to pledge to a range of commitments to improve inclusivity and diversity, including improved recruitment policies and demonstrating leadership on the issue.

The RICS has drawn up separate criteria metrics so small and large firms can be assessed fairly, it said.

Meanwhile, the RIBA has announced it has strengthened its chartered practice criteria to include accreditation requirements related to equality, diversity and inclusion.

From 1 January 2016, RIBA chartered practices will be required to operate an eqality, diversity and inclusion policy.

Practices will also have to commit to paying all students at least the UK living wage, or the London living wage where applicable.

黑洞社区 is running a campaign, , which aims to explore hidden concerns in construction - including diversity and tolerance.

Commenting on the RICS quality mark, Louise Brook-Smith, RICS president, said: 鈥淚t marks the step change that the profession needs. Employee needs are changing, along with their expectations and demographic make-up.

鈥淭he competitive war for talent has also shifted the focus to attracting and retaining talent in the industry. Only by doing so, can we deliver a sustainable future.鈥�

RIBA president elect Jane Duncan said of the RIBA鈥檚 scheme: 鈥淭hese important changes are a vital step to driving positive change and encouraging talent to join and stay in the profession.

鈥淲orking as a collective and galvanised profession we can make a real difference by stamping out inequality.鈥�