RICS and RIBA launch diversity drives

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 ‘Inclusive Employer Quality Mark’ 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.

Building is running a campaign, Building a Better Balance, which aims to explore hidden concerns in construction - including diversity and tolerance.

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

“The 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.”

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

“Working as a collective and galvanised profession we can make a real difference by stamping out inequality.”