The father of a Treasury worker who died by suicide a day after a meeting about an anonymous complaint has criticized the department's "complete failure in their duty of care." Chloe Moffat, 26, died on May 20, 2025, after being accused of sharing sensitive information about colleagues. A coroner's ruling this month stated the Treasury "materially contributed" to her death by not following its own human resources procedures.
Staff failed to reassure Ms. Moffat, who had an "exemplary employment record" for nearly three years, that her job was likely not at risk. Her father, David Moffat, accused the government department of avoiding responsibility. "There was no duty of care, there was no safeguarding, there was no consistent... there was no support for Chloe during or after that meeting," Mr. Moffat told BBC Radio 4's Today program. "It beggars belief that an organisation that is front and central in our Government cannot get it right."
Ms. Moffat had attended what she believed was a routine meeting with her line manager on May 19, 2025. However, she was met by her line manager and a senior manager, Liz Farmer, who informed her of the allegations. During the meeting, Ms. Moffat repeatedly asked if her job was at risk and if she could have a friend present for support, but both requests were denied. Ms. Farmer stated she "could not predict the outcome at this stage" when asked if Ms. Moffat would lose her job.
The coroner determined that the meeting's conduct deviated from Treasury disciplinary policy. Under the policy, proven allegations would likely have resulted in a written warning, not dismissal. After the meeting, Ms. Moffat discovered her emails were locked and was instructed not to discuss the allegations with colleagues. She texted a friend expressing fear of being fired and later met the friend in London, where she became visibly distressed.
Ms. Moffat then went to her parents' home in Godalming, Surrey, and was found dead by her father the following day. The medical cause of death was attributed to hanging. Coroner Anna Crawford concluded that Ms. Moffat's state of mind, specifically her fear of job loss, likely contributed to her decision to take her own life.
Her mother, Anne Moffat, has described the allegations against her daughter as "vexatious" and "nothing more than office gossip." While the parents maintain the Treasury failed in its duty of care, they have received a letter from Treasury permanent secretary James Bowler. They are currently considering whether to pursue further action, stating they are seeking "redress."
Mr. Moffat expressed a hope that "something positive can come from this unbearable loss." The coroner has issued a Prevention of Future Deaths report to the Treasury and the head of the civil service. The Treasury has stated it is carefully considering the findings and has implemented changes to its guidance, support, and wellbeing arrangements for employees accused of misconduct. The department acknowledged it is not contesting the coroner's findings and expressed its deepest sympathies to Ms. Moffat's family and friends.
"We will learn the lessons from this tragedy," a Treasury spokesman said. "We are working urgently to respond to the coroner's findings and we have introduced immediate changes to our guidance, support and wellbeing arrangements. Chloe's parents have agreed to meet with us so we can hear their views and update on actions the department is taking."