The Construction Industry Council (CLC) has awarded HM Revenue & Customs (HMRC) two instances of ‘Inclusive Environments Recognition’ for its application of the CIC’s essential principles in creating accessible and inclusive environments. The double recognition for HMRC are for its sites in Unity Square in Nottingham and 1 Atlantic Square in Glasgow.
These latest projects bring HMRC’s recognition at project level to ten projects since 2020 which is a fantastic achievement and testament to the fact they are going above and beyond what is required of them in creating truly inclusive places. HMRC has already received recognition for its Government Hubs at 3 Arena Central – Birmingham; Westfield Avenue – Stratford, London; 7 & 8 Wellington Place – Leeds; 3 Glass Wharf – Bristol; and the UK Government Hubs Ty William Morgan – Cardiff; Queen Elizabeth House – Edinburgh; Erskine House – Belfast and Teville Gate House – Worthing.
CIC’s ‘Inclusive Environments Recognition’ has a two-stage approach. The first recognises those organisations that are following the Essentials Principles Guide and honours them with a certificate valid for a five-year period, which HMRC was awarded in 2018. The second stage acknowledges individual buildings or projects undertaken by organisations that have already received recognition at an organisational level from CIC.
The Essential Principles Guide for Clients, Developers and Contractors was launched in 2018. In order for projects to be considered for recognition from CIC, organisations must submit the following evidence to show that they support the six essential principles:
- Appointment of an Inclusive Environmental Champion at Project Level
- Evidence that your Inclusive Design Strategy has been incorporated within the project brief and project budget
- An example of how the project procurement process has addressed inclusive design
- Evidence of the use of Access and Inclusive Design expertise and of consultation with diverse users
- Evidence of monitoring and appraisal of completed projects to assess outcomes and successes in creating accessible and inclusive environments
- List of any constraints that have prevented implementation of your Inclusive Design Strategy for example physical constraints of an existing building
Colin Casse – Director of Estates & Locations Programme, HMRC said: “It is great news that HMRC’s modern workplaces continue to receive the CIC Inclusive Environments accreditation, demonstrating HMRC’s commitment to providing welcoming and inclusive working environments for everyone. This is due to the golden thread of our Inclusive Design Guide which all our new offices are based on. We are delighted that CIC continue to recognise our ambition and that our estate reflects the needs of our workforce, which in turn supports our customers.”
CIC Chair Justin Sullivan said of HMRC’s most recent recognitions; “It has been fantastic to visit HMRC sites in person to really get a feel for the tremendous efforts they have gone to when creating their workspaces. Their commitment to inclusivity engenders staff well-being and they provide a fantastic example of what can be achieved in this arena when you have the commitment HMRC have.”
If you would like further information about the CIC Inclusive Environments Recognition Scheme please contact Liz Drummond at Ldrummond@cic.org.uk