Treasury Accepts Role in Employee's Suicide

The Treasury has acknowledged its procedures contributed to the death of Chloe Moffat, a 26-year-old employee who died by suicide on May 20 last year. Moffat's death occurred one day after she attended a meeting concerning an anonymous complaint against her, during which she was accused of sharing sensitive information, allegations she denied.

During the meeting on May 19 last year, Ms. Moffat asked multiple times if her job was at risk and if she could have a friend present for support, but both requests were denied. When Ms. Moffat tearfully inquired about the potential outcome for her employment, a senior manager stated they could not predict the outcome at that stage. Following the meeting, Ms. Moffat found her email access had been revoked and was instructed not to discuss the allegations with colleagues.

That evening, Ms. Moffat returned to her parents' home in Godalming, Surrey, where she was discovered deceased by her father the following day.

A coroner's report later found that the Treasury's practice of using 'informal fact-finding' meetings for employees accused of serious misconduct lacked a basis in the ministry's written policy and posed a risk of future death. The government department was found to have 'materially contributed to Miss Moffat's death' by failing to inform her that the likely consequence, if the allegations were proven, would be a written warning rather than dismissal.

In response to the coroner's prevention of future deaths report, the Treasury accepted the findings in full and stated it had implemented immediate actions to address the concerns. These measures include enhanced 'wellbeing safeguards' and the cessation of informal fact-finding meetings pending a comprehensive policy review.

The department also indicated that employees facing serious or gross misconduct allegations will be informed of potential outcomes before responding. A suicide prevention framework and improved mental health support are reportedly under development. The Cabinet Office announced it would conduct a broader review of workplace conflict resolution across Whitehall within the next 12 months.

In correspondence with the assistant coroner, HM Treasury and the Cabinet Office affirmed their commitment to learning from Ms. Moffat's death to achieve lasting improvements. They acknowledged the risks associated with informal processes for serious allegations and affirmed that steps have been taken to strengthen existing procedures and support systems for employees.

A Treasury spokesperson expressed ongoing condolences to Ms. Moffat's friends and family, stating that the department continues to mourn its colleague. The spokesperson added that an independent review had concluded that staff acted in good faith and with a duty of care throughout the process.