Inclusion Moment: Bradley Moore, Associate Consultant, Gardiner & Theobald LLP
Tuesday 20 May 2025
Event: Managing change without losing control – balancing flexibility and discipline in major projects
My name is Brad Moore; I’m an Associate at Gardiner & Theobald. I’ve been working with the Major Projects Association and within major projects across a range of sectors, supporting clients to implement procurement and supply chain management practices.
Last week was Mental Health Awareness Week, and I wanted to talk to you briefly about the importance of maintaining good mental health, recognising the signs for poor mental health, and how you can support yourself and those around you.
Working in major projects, we operate in a high-pressure, high-stress environment with tight deadlines, complex stakeholders and critical outcomes which support project delivery. Taking on a role within major projects is incredibly rewarding, and provides us with an opportunity to learn, develop, innovate and challenge the traditional ways of working.
However, major projects often come with unprecedented challenges. This can incite a culture of burnout, long hours and invisible struggles. According to a sample taken from Mental Health UK’s The Burnout Report 2025, 91% of UK adults reported that they experienced high or extreme levels of pressure or stress in the past year.
When we talk about delivering major projects, we often focus on client requirements, schedule and outcomes. However, it is the people within the workforce who actually deliver these projects. As a supply chain manager supporting Gatwick’s £2-billion investment plan, I recognise the important role that the supply chain plays in delivering successful projects. Often we focus on promoting good health and safety standards on-site, and rightly so. But do we give the same attention to mental health throughout the supply chain?
With so many organisations and people involved across the supply chain, it’s vital that we extend our wellbeing focus beyond the client, and champion good mental health practices at every tier. If we expect individuals to uphold safety standards, to ensure everyone gets home safely each day, then we must apply the same commitment to mental wellbeing, promoting a safe working environment where we can enable people to open up and talk about their concerns and struggles.
Mental health challenges can take many forms, and even small issues can grow if someone is struggling with multiple stresses or concerns. You might notice changes in behaviour, unexpected absences or a drop in performance from team members who are suffering from stress or anxiety either inside or outside the workplace.
Workplace pressure and stress can lead to anxiety and depression, but simply talking and being listened to can make a huge difference to the people who are experiencing it. Sharing those challenges often brings a sense of relief and helps people feel supported.
So what can you do for others?
Check in with them. A simple ‘How are you doing? How’s your day going?’ can open up a door, and if it doesn’t, I would encourage you to ask again.
Know your resources; remind your colleagues about what is available to support them and their wellbeing. At Gardiner & Theobald, we have a number of Mental Health First Aiders within the teams, who provide support to those who need it.
Be kind. We never know what someone is carrying behind the scenes, whether that’s someone’s personal life, financial struggles, relationship issues or bereavement. It’s important to be aware that our work environment is not our only environment.
While it is important for us to support others, it’s equally as important for us to do things that promote good mental health for ourselves.
So what can you do for yourself?
Exercise: physical activity releases endorphins, which can naturally lift your mood and energy levels. Whether it’s walking, cycling, going to the gym or playing sports, exercise will help you to de-stress from your daily work activities.
Quality sleep: sleep deprivation is strongly linked to increases in anxiety and depression. It’s important to prioritise sleep to enable your body and mind to recover.
Most importantly, stay connected. Don’t isolate yourself from your friends, family or colleagues, and if you can, talk to those you are close to.
As we reflect on Mental Health Awareness Week, I encourage you to take a moment to check in with your colleagues, friends, family and loved ones. Or if you’d like to reach out directly to me, then you’re very welcome to get in touch.
About the presenter
Bradley Moore
Associate Consultant, Gardiner & Theobald LLP
Bradley Moore is an Associate Consultant at Gardiner & Theobald LLP and specialises in implementing best-practice supply chain and procurement strategies to support the successful delivery of major projects. With expertise in supply chain strategy development, enhancing visibility, managing risks and fostering strong supplier relationships, Bradley helps clients drive efficiency, collaboration and innovation throughout the pre-construction and delivery phases of major projects.
Bradley is passionate about supporting the success of major projects. Following his completion of the Major Projects Association’s Rising Stars 2023, he joined the Association’s Programme Committee as an active member, contributing to the development and delivery of future events for the Major Projects Association community.