How can APC candidates demonstrate diversity, inclusion and teamworking?

Diversity, inclusion and teamworking is a mandatory competency taken to Level 1 of the APC. Candidates across all pathways and routes must demonstrate knowledge and understanding of the principles, behaviour and dynamics of successfully working in a team.

This includes how team members are selected and the roles they play, the importance of diversity, and knowledge of the policies, legislation and guidance applicable to non-discrimination.

As this is a mandatory competency, your summary of experience content and assessment is only to Level 1 and your focus should remain on knowledge and understanding.

However, the RICS Requirements and Competencies guide includes Level 2 and Level 3 for candidates who select it as one of their optional competencies. In addition, the assessment portal provides templates that contain useful prompts and guidance.

Candidates must use succinct and focused writing to ensure they do not exceed the 1,500-word limit for mandatory competencies, which represents approximately 90 words per competency per level.

This knowledge should be supported, where possible, by its source. Examples of possible sources are a relevant training course, structured reading or university modules. These should naturally link to your CPD record.

If you have attended training on inclusive communication or completed university modules on team dynamics, make reference to these sources. For example: 'I attended a CPD session on unconscious bias and learned about strategies and systems to mitigate this.'

Start with the examples in the pathways guide. Assessors will use your submission, combined with the requirements of the pathways guide, to formulate questions.

A compliant submission that is in line with the pathways guide will enable questioning around the examples you have given.

For example, your submission may state: 'I understand the importance of diversity in a team', and assessors may ask, 'Why is diversity important in a team?' Or, 'How does diversity enhance a team? Can you give me an example?'

Be ready to support your statements of knowledge with examples: 'I have been part of a team of members with different backgrounds and different levels of experience and this generated both technical depth and innovative approaches to solving problems.'

The principles of diversity and inclusion link directly to the RICS Rules of Conduct, particularly Rule 4, which requires members to 'treat others with respect and encourage diversity and inclusion'.

This rule establishes a professional obligation to promote inclusive practices and respectful behaviour.

You may include content along the lines of: 'I understand that as an RICS member I am required to treat others with respect and encourage diversity, as set out in Rule 4 of the Rules of Conduct.'

You may even have examples of promoting inclusive practices or challenging discriminatory behaviour that you can refer to if questioned.

The pathways guide refers to: 'Internal diversity and inclusion policies, including any applicable to non-discrimination or anti-harassment in the workplace.'

It is important to ensure your communication methods are accessible to all and that any barriers to engagement are identified and dealt with appropriately.

You may write in your submission: 'I understand that inclusive communication requires considering the needs of all team members.'

However, be aware that assessors may follow up and ask for examples around how you would put this into practice. Some examples include:

• ensuring written communications are clear and appropriate for the audience
• providing visual aids for complex or technical information, and
• ensuring meetings are structured in a way that allows all participants to contribute.

Always be prepared to back up your statement of knowledge with clear understanding.

Again, while the word limits require your summary of experience to be brief, you should be ready to expand on your stated knowledge, understanding what benefits this brings:

'When team members work collaboratively, projects can benefit from early intervention, improved problem solving and reduced disputes.

'I understand that collaborative working requires trust, open communication and shared objectives.'

Assessors will have reviewed your written submission for compliance with the requirements and to inform any questions they may ask. Assessors will typically signpost the competency they are questioning: 'I am now going to ask you about your Level 1 competency, Diversity, inclusion and teamworking.'

Assessors may also ask for examples based on what you have written: 'Can you share an example of working as part of an effective team?'

Even though this is a Level 1 competency requiring knowledge rather than practical application, you can draw on experience: 'On a recent project, the design team worked effectively because I established clear communication protocols, held regular coordination meetings, and ensured each consultant understood their scope and responsibilities.'

Assessors use your submission – along with the pathways guide – as the basis for questions. They may ask you to explain concepts or apply your knowledge to scenarios.

Remember that the APC is holistic, and while assessors will likely ask direct questions on this competency, they may also assess your knowledge through discussions about other competencies.

• Ensure your written submission covers a minimum of two of the key areas. These include team selection and roles, the value of diversity, inclusive communication, collaborative working, supply chain management, as well as appropriate legislation and policies. Your word count will prevent you from including all relevant information.
• Stay within your word count: remember that this competency shares the 1,500 word limit with ten other mandatory competencies.
• Reference the sources of your knowledge, such as training courses, university modules or structured reading, and cross reference these with your CPD as much as possible.
• Review all examples in the pathways guide, not just those you mention in your submission. Be prepared to discuss any of the examples listed at Level 1.
• Practice answering questions out loud based on what you have written and the pathways guide requirement.