Can't recommend my company

[NeoMate5]

A previous colleague is applying for a senior role at my current company and has messaged me to ask how I am finding it.

It is a pretty terrible company, toxic culture, people getting laid off on a whim, and also a bit of a mess in how it is run generally which makes day to day hard!

I am in a team which is fairly sheltered from all the drama so it doesn't affect me too much and I love my role so it has sort of worked out for me.

But the role he is applying for would be right in the middle of the storm.

How honest should I be with him? I am so worried if I say anything bad that it could somehow get back to my company (e.g. if she turns down a job offer) and I could get fired or something (that's how paranoid you can get!) but also want to pre-warn him. What would you do? Highlight some of the positives and throw in subtly worded negatives?

Are they in employment/secure position already or are they currently unemployed?

If the former then I would probably be honest and say that you love your role on whole the company has been through quite a few restructurings and continues to do so.
That way it's their choice.

I wouldn't put anything in writing if you're concerned about it getting back to your company. I would state you're happy with your team and your role and leave it there. It's not a lie but it's also not addressing any negatives.

Ultimately they might join and love the role. If they're senior enough they should be able to sense any red flags at interview.

Currently unemployed and been looking a while. Yes, definitely worried about putting something in writing. I suspect he's spotted the red flags and that's why he is asking. A quick search brings them up. I had seen them too, but went in with my eyes open knowing my type of role should be relatively sheltered.

In that case I would reply with you enjoy your role in your area and leave it at that. If there is public info our there for everyone then that's for him to check.

Given unemployed for a while though a senior role in a volatile area is better then no role and can keep applying for other positions if they hate it.