In my last role, I began to have concerns for a client that my colleague used to link work. I noticed a dramatic change in his behaviour and style; he began growing his hair, wearing dark colours, and would frequently discuss moving to London to start a revolution, and even showed me a design for a sigil he had created. It was also evident that his paranoia and delusional thoughts were increasing, referring to “the war” that was coming and referring to himself as a ‘warrior’. I approached my colleague and expressed my concerns that his behaviour was indicative of radicalisation and asked for support in discussing this was our manager as well as making a referral to the Prevent team. My colleague became instantly defensive of the client and dismissed this, stating I was “looking into it too much”. His behaviour escalated over the weeks and I ended up following my instinct and making the referral anyway, much to my colleague’s dismay.

 

Unfortunately, the Prevent team as well as the police had to become very involved with the client as his behaviour and risk escalated extensively, and they felt his actions were a cause for concern. I felt disappointed in myself for not contacting them sooner, and frustrated at my colleague for dismissing my concerns, stating that “I would increase his mistrust of professionals within society” and “damage her and his rapport” if I sought support. During supervision with my manager shortly after this, I reflected that I was angry at myself for not following my gut instincts sooner, as well as angry at my colleague for putting her friendly relationship that she had built with said client before his own welfare. Since then I have reflected that it is often difficult to manage situations of risk within a team when there is a difference of opinion. However, I have also learned that regardless of colleague relationships, the welfare of the client is fundamental above all else.

I have used this experience to guide my professional practice since; feeling a new sense of confidence in my own intuition and the ability to take responsibility for the consequences. Whilst I will always value the experience and insight of my colleagues, the experience made me realise that I needed to be more confident in taking initiative and going on my own professional intuition, even if it doesn’t coincide with the beliefs of my colleagues.