Work friend making mistakes

[Neonpineapple]

I work with a woman who I have become really good friends with, we started around the same time last year and hang out outside of work frequently, go to the gym together after work etc. Recently she has been having some performance issues and has made some mistakes, I have always done my best to help and point out things but sometimes it seems she doesn't listen. Recently I have noticed something that goes against our procedures that has happened on several occasions, I have pointed it out to her to try and explain why it isn't correct. My colleague also noticed this and ultimately I felt as though I had no choice but to inform my manager. She will speak to her and I am terrified. I feel so incredibly guilty and uncomfortable because I don't want to get her into trouble and I know that she is having a hard time in her personal life. It will also look extremely obvious that it was me that said something as I brought up the same thing with her. I want to give her the heads up but I obviously can't do that as it would be extremely unprofessional! Does anybody have any advice?

Surely this situation was foreseeable when you spoke to your manager about her mistakes? What outcome were you hoping for?

If I was having issues in my personal life, and my mistakes were not putting anyone at risk, I would hope a friend would be a little more patient with me. Obviously this doesn't apply if you work for the NHS and the mistakes would have affected someone's health or similar. In that scenario, you would have had no choice.

I can't see how you will be friends after this if it is obvious you have spoken to management about her. I think honesty is the only way forward. If/when she says something to you, let her know that your colleague noticed and asked you about it.

^^Actually no I revisit that part about the colleague noticing, as that may throw colleague under the bus.
I think you are going to have to own it OP.

What sector/industry do you work in OP? Was it a matter of life or death that you had to inform your manager?

You will need to own it and do it before she's spoken to. You could try the 'it was in your best interests as the outcome could have been really bad for you if it was left' approach but not sure that would help. Perhaps make it an unimportant aside 'Oh, I mentioned to Maggie Manager that you were struggling with abc - perhaps she'll get you some more training?' You were professional in reporting it but she deserves a heads up.

It's an industry where it is not life or death but the mistake would have had a big impact. My colleague basically told me that the manager will have to be told as its only fair that they are aware of this and can inform them of the right thing to do.

But you have so far tried to help and she's ignored it. have always done my best to help and point out things but sometimes it seems she doesn't listen. Recently I have noticed something that goes against our procedures that has happened on several occasions, I have pointed it out to her to try and explain why it isn't correct

Don’t beat yourself up OP but obviously the friendship you have developed will be affected. Agree with @Billandben444.

It’s a tough position to be in but, assuming the issue is serious, if someone won’t listen when you’ve tried to talk to them about their mistake, I don’t know what else you could do. Especially when a colleague has also noticed and put pressure on you to inform the manager.

I think it also says something about the friendship where she won’t listen to you about something like that. Most people would be glad you had helped them out and stopped them making a serious mistake.

Is the problem that she doesn’t understand or doesn’t really care?