Enhancing Communication and Psychological Safety in Project Environments
Project environments are defined by pressure, complexity and constant change. Tight deadlines, competing priorities, stakeholder tension and delivery risk all shape the psychosocial working environment. In these conditions, the way we communicate is not neutral; it can either reduce risk and strengthen trust, or unintentionally contribute to stress, stigma and harm.
On World Day for Safety and Health at Work, and in collaboration with Mental Illness Education ACT (MIEACT), the Australian Institute of Project Management (AIPM™) invites you to join an insightful and practical webinar introducing DoNOHarm — a communication framework designed specifically for high-pressure professional settings such as project delivery.
DoNOHarm helps project professionals recognise how everyday conversations — particularly during escalation, change, conflict and uncertainty — can either mitigate harm or increase psychosocial risk. Grounded in trauma-informed and psychologically safe practice, this session will be presented by Riley Watson, Director of Lived Experience and Innovation at MIEACT.
The webinar will explore how factors such as workload, perceived support, fairness and accountability show up in project communication, and what leaders can do differently in real time. Participants will be introduced to simple, immediately applicable language shifts and practical principles that support safer conversations, clearer boundaries and stronger team trust — without slowing delivery or compromising performance.
By joining this webinar, you will:
- Understand how language used in everyday project communications can influence stigma and impact mental health outcomes, particularly during high pressure, change, escalation or uncertainty.
- Explore inclusive communication strategies and build capability to use safe, respectful and psychologically informed language.
- Gain practical tools to establish clear boundaries, encourage help-seeking behaviour, and support sustainable performance for both leaders and team members.
Event Details
Date: 28 April 2026
Time: 12:30pm – 1:00pm AEST
Format: Online
Registration is complimentary for AIPM™ members.
Join us to reflect on how we can prevent occupational deaths, injuries, diseases and illnesses; and how safer communication practices can play a critical role in protecting mental health within project environments.
To register for an AIPM event, you’ll need to login to your AIPM account. If you don’t have an account, you’ll need to create an account with AIPM before you register.
Who is this event for?
This session is ideal for project professionals, executives and delivery leaders seeking practical tools to lead well under pressure, strengthen psychological safety in their teams, and align with contemporary WHS expectations around psychosocial risk management.
Price
- Members: Complimentary
- Non-members: $55 (including GST)
- Registration closes: 26/04/2026, 11:59 PM AEDT
Speakers
Riley Watson
Director of Lived Experience and Innovation at MIEACT
Riley is the Director of Lived Experience and Innovation at MIEACT, leading strategic initiatives aimed at expanding programs, improving mental health outcomes, and enhancing the organisation’s ability to create meaningful social change in the community. Harnessing the power of their own lived experience with mental illness, Riley's current focus is on extending the reach and impact of MIEACT’s DoNOHarm Communication Training, empowering individuals, teams and organisations to communicate about lived experiences with clarity, confidence and compassion.