Treasury contributed to woman's death, inquest hears

The death of a Treasury worker who took her own life the day after a meeting with her managers was "materially contributed" to by her employers, an inquest has heard.

Chloe Moffat, 26, a personal assistant to a Treasury director, died on 20 May last year, after she was told of allegations she had shared sensitive confidential information about colleagues, which she denied.

Surrey Coroner's Court heard the Treasury did not apply written disciplinary policy which would have made clear that if the allegations were proven, the likely penalty was a written warning, not dismissal.

A spokesperson for the Treasury said it was "considering the findings carefully".

In a statement to the press, Moffat's family said they believed the Treasury failed in its duty of care.

"When she needed support, reassurance and fair treatment, she was left frightened, isolated and convinced her career and reputation had been destroyed," they added.

The inquest, in whicha conclusion of suicide was recorded, heard that on 19 May Moffat went to what she thought was a routine one-to-one with her line manager, but a more senior manager was also present.

She was told of allegations she had shared sensitive personal information about colleagues, obtained as part of her job.

Moffat, from London, denied this.

She was informed that no final decision had been taken as to how the allegations would be handled but that it may be by way of a formal investigation or disciplinary meeting.

On asking if she would lose her job, assistant coroner Anna Crawford said the senior manager told Moffat she "could not predict the outcome at this stage".

Shocked and upset, Moffat cried, and it was agreed she did not have to work for the rest of the day.

She texted a friend, the court heard, to say she thought she would be sacked.

Moffat then spoke to her mother on the phone, who tried to reassure her, and it was decided she would stay at her parents' house.

The next day she took her own life.

Crawford said if written policy had been followed, instead of attending the 19 May meeting, Moffat would have been sent a letter which would have advised the likely penalty, if the allegations were proven, was a written warning.

During the inquest, evidence was heard that the fact-finding meeting was standard practice at the Treasury and other departments, which Crawford said was a "matter of concern".

She said she would be sending a Prevention of Future Deaths (PFD) report to the Treasury, the head of the civil service and Acas.

Moffat's family said: "Our hope has always been that some good can come from this tragedy.

"We therefore welcome any recommendations made by the coroner aimed at preventing other families from experiencing the heartbreak we have endured."

The family said it hoped a PFD report would lead to "meaningful changes" in how disciplinary processes are conducted and how employees' welfare is safeguarded.

"Nothing will bring Chloe back. She was a much-loved daughter, sister and friend, and the loss we feel every day is immeasurable," they added.

The Treasury said: "We continue to mourn Chloe's passing as a colleague and friend. Our thoughts remain with her family and friends.

"We take the coroner's concerns extremely seriously and recognise it is important to act quickly. We are now considering the findings carefully.

"We have introduced improvements to guidance, support and wellbeing arrangements but recognise we must continue to take action to prevent this happening again."

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