An inquest is investigating the circumstances surrounding the death of Chloe Moffat, a 26-year-old Treasury worker who died by suicide a day after a meeting concerning an anonymous complaint. Moffat, who had worked as a personal assistant for nearly three years, was described as an 'exemplary' employee on track for a promotion and had recently received a bonus for her work.
Sources indicate that Moffat was left in a state of distress following the meeting with senior Treasury staff in May of last year. The meeting addressed allegations of sharing confidential information, which she had access to through her role managing her director's email inbox. Friends and family reported that she left the meeting devastated and convinced she would lose her job, despite likely not facing dismissal.
The inquest at Surrey Coroners' Court heard that Moffat was not reassured about her job security. She was reportedly called into the meeting, attended by her line manager and the Treasury's head of global issues, without prior notification of its subject. Witnesses described her as visibly distressed, shocked, and crying at points during the proceedings.
Moffat's request for a friend to accompany her was deemed 'inappropriate,' and when she inquired about the outcome of her job, a senior manager stated they 'couldn't predict any outcome of any potential investigation.' Following the meeting, her access to her director's email and diary was temporarily suspended, and she was advised not to discuss the allegations with colleagues. Her line manager was responsible for her pastoral care despite her direct oversight role.
Friends reported receiving a text message from Moffat on the day of the meeting stating, 'I am going to be fired.' A subsequent meeting with a friend in London saw Moffat crying and expressing significant concern about the reputational impact of the allegations. Her mother, Anne Moffat, is advocating for changes in Treasury procedures, specifically calling for the assessment of employees' mental welfare when serious misconduct is alleged. She stated that proper support and advice prior to the meeting could have prevented her daughter's profound distress and isolation.
The Treasury has indicated that changes are being implemented in its disciplinary procedures, with managers undergoing additional training. A spokesperson for the department expressed deep sadness over Moffat's death and extended condolences to her family and friends. The department clarified that the meeting was an early fact-finding stage, not a formal disciplinary hearing.