Key facts
- The Treasury "materially contributed" to the death of personal assistant Chloe Moffat, a coroner found.
- Moffat died by suicide after an informal meeting about an anonymous workplace complaint.
- The coroner stated the disciplinary process lacked necessary safeguards and did not follow Treasury policy.
- A risk of future deaths within the civil service was identified due to flawed handling of disciplinary proceedings.
- The Treasury has acknowledged the coroner's concerns and is implementing improvements.
A coroner has determined that the Treasury "materially contributed" to the death of Chloe Moffat, a 26-year-old personal assistant who died by suicide following a flawed disciplinary process. The coroner, Anna Crawford, also identified a risk of future deaths within the civil service stemming from the improper handling of such proceedings.
Moffat, who had worked at the Treasury for nearly three years and had an "exemplary employment record," was reportedly distressed by an informal meeting concerning an anonymous allegation of sharing colleague information. Despite denying the claim, she was not reassured about her job security and was not permitted to have a third party of her choice present during the meeting. Her responsibilities were temporarily altered, and her access to her manager's diary was removed, leading her to believe she had lost her job.
The coroner found that Moffat appeared well and happy prior to the meeting on May 19 last year, with no prior mental health concerns. Crawford stated that the "shock and distress of the allegations and thinking she was going to lose her job contributed to her state of mind." The Treasury's HR policy, aligned with Acas guidelines, mandates formal procedures for serious misconduct allegations to protect employees' rights, including notice periods and the right to representation.
Crawford concluded that the meeting was not conducted in accordance with Treasury policy, which makes no provision for such informal discussions. The head of global issues at the Treasury, who led the investigation, testified that she did not provide prior notice to avoid worrying Moffat. Moffat's line manager stated they believed they had done all they could at the time.
The coroner issued a prevention of future deaths notice, expressing concern that the Treasury claimed these informal meetings were "standard practice," posing a risk to employees. Chloe Moffat's mother described her daughter as a "bright, caring and talented young woman" and believes the allegations were mere "workplace gossip." She indicated potential further action to seek changes and prevent similar tragedies.
A Treasury spokesperson stated the department is taking the coroner's concerns seriously, is considering the findings, and has introduced improvements to guidance, support, and wellbeing arrangements, while acknowledging the need for further action.