Being inclusive of everyone

Equality Act 2010

The Equality Act 2010 requires providers of services to take steps to ensure discrimination does not occur due to inaccessible information.

It underpins fire safety legislation that all people can leave a building safely in the event of a fire

Non-English speaking residents (or those with limited English) face additional barriers that limit them from engaging with building safety.

Residents with extra support requirements because of a disability or long-term health condition also face additional barriers that limit them from engaging with building safety.

Understand what these barriers are, and how to remove them, so that all residents feel and are safer.

Non-English speakers – key insights

• non-English speaking residents are more likely than the wider high-rise population to be social renters and live in multiple occupancy dwellings
• they may lack contextual understanding of building and fire safety
  • for example be unfamiliar with the Grenfell Tower Fire and be uncertain of their role in keeping themselves and others safe
• knowledge of basic building and fire safety in high-rise buildings in England is generally low for example:
  • dialling 999
  • not using lifts to evacuate
  • what ‘stay put’ means
• some building safety concepts and words may not be understood and may not have direct translations into other languages
  • for example there no comparable word for ‘sprinklers’ in Bengali
• their engagement and trust with building management may be impacted by previous negative and sometimes engrained broader experiences of authority
• they frequently have other considerations that may affect engagement in building safety including:
  • health conditions
  • lower levels of literacy (including in their own language)
  • be less digitally able

Key principles

1. Assume no prior knowledge of building safety

Take building safety information back to basics when educating residents.

For example explain how fire alarms and sprinkler systems work and who is responsible for maintaining them.

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2. Use formats that support translations

Residents find ways to translate important information. So ensure information is easy to drop into translation software by:

• avoiding PDF formats
• using simple and jargon-free content

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3. Make use of translation facilities

Add QR codes to leaflets or posters to allow readers to access information in
multiple languages.

Or use online tools to translate online content.

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4. Role play basic safety scenarios

Provide videos and/or give scenarios,descriptions or opportunities to
play out what might happen in an emergency. Such as how to call 999 and what to say.

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5. Facilitate in-person activities

Consider holding safety coffee mornings, estate walkabouts and safety workshops with interpretation provided to ensure non-English speaking residents feel included.

Take into account some cultures prefer verbal communications.

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6. Ensure printed information is available and relatable

Always print safety information so residents can show this to, and discuss with, people who they trust.

Family and friends are often turned to, to help explain information.

Include pictures of people of similar backgrounds in homes that look like theirs.

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7. Work with trusted sources

Consider investigating how other people and organisations can help to
raise awareness and share messages about building safety.

For example faith leaders, community spaces and local Fire and Rescue Services.

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Disabled residents – key insights

• residents who identify as having a disability or long-term health condition are more likely to be:
  • social housing renters
  • longer-term residents
  • older than the wider high-rise population
• residents may have a broad range of conditions. For example mobility, neurodivergent, mental health or sensory that impact on their daily life in different ways
  • these conditions may, or may not, be visible and may fluctuate from day-to-day
• feelings of safety for those with additional support needs are closely linked to evacuation plans and means of escape
  • the Grenfell Tower tragedy is still prominent for many
• many residents with specific support requirements do not relate to the term ‘disabled’ for example:
  • age-related decline in mobility
  • acquiring a disability later in life
  • conditions that make it difficult to process information but instead relate
    to their specific condition or need
• residents with extra support requirements frequently feel underserved by building managers owing to the additional barriers that affect their interactions with them
• many feel isolated and undervalued
  • responsive on-site staff, such as caretakers or security, and a sense of community can bolster feelings of safety and provide an important and empathetic human connection

Key principles

1. Use language that relates to specific conditions and needs rather than labelling residents as disabled or generalising

Engage with residents using neutral and inclusive language that discusses their safety requirements respectfully.

For example:

• do you need support with walking down the stairs?
• co you struggle to follow instructions?
• can you hear alarms?

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2. Ensure evacuation plans are inclusive

Increase resident confidence by designing evacuation plans jointly.

Consider making adaptions to residents’ homes and communal spaces, if required, to accommodate their needs:

• accessible fire alarm systems such as sensory alarms that vibrate or flash
• clearly marked routes with adequate lighting and tonal contrasting
• accessible fire doors
• way-finding descriptions with very detailed instructions such as the number of
  steps or which direction to turn

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3. Educate and understand

Make sure residents understand plans and routes by holding regular fire tests and safety drills with the chance to ask questions.

Be respectful of the impact a resident’s disability or condition has on their ability and propensity to fulfil their duties.

For example someone who is neurodivergent may need plenty of notice, or a carer present, if you wish to access their flat.

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4. Build connected communities

Help residents to feel less isolated, more supported and ultimately safer
by hosting get-togethers.

For example coffee mornings, safety workshops and setting up community apps that bring residents closer together.

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5. Work with partners

Identify other people and organisations who may be able to help you to understand, work with and communicate with residents with additional safety requirements.

For example:

• concierges and caretakers
• community adult social care teams
• disability groups
• local Fire and Rescue Services

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Other principles of engagement

• Understand who lives in each building
• Engage via multiple channels
• Communication information effectively
• Listen to residents

Other useful information

• Safety in high-rise residential buildings: accountable persons 
• Preparing a resident engagement strategy
• Keeping information about a higher-risk building: the golden thread
• High-rise residential building information accountable persons must provide
• Building safety guides for accountable persons
• BSR to introduce more proportionate and targeted approach for higher-risk building assessments