Treasury Overhauls Protocols After Employee Death
The UK Treasury is overhauling its disciplinary procedures following the death of 26-year-old employee Chloe Moffat. Moffat died by suicide the day after she was notified of an anonymous complaint against her. An inquest at Surrey Coroners’ Court heard that the handling of the process—marked by poor communication and restricted access to support—contributed to the distress that led to her death.
A Surprise Meeting and Denied Support
Moffat, a personal assistant, had been with the Treasury for almost three years. Witnesses at the inquest described her as a dedicated employee with an exemplary record who was in line for a promotion.
On the day of the incident, she was summoned to a meeting with her line manager, Kimberly Aldrich, and the head of global issues, Elizabeth Farmer. Moffat arrived unaware of the meeting’s subject or that a senior manager would be present. She was informed of an anonymous complaint alleging she had shared confidential information—a task she had regular access to through her responsibilities managing her director’s inbox.
When Moffat asked to have a close friend and colleague, Helena Cawley, present, the request was denied. Elizabeth Farmer testified that allowing an alternative attendee “would have made the meeting feel more formal.” When Moffat asked if she would lose her job, she was told that management could not predict the outcome of the investigation.
Isolation and Mismanaged Expectations
Testimony provided to the coroner, Anna Crawford, highlighted significant gaps in how the Treasury supported staff during investigations. Moffat was advised not to speak to friends about the allegations, leaving her feeling isolated.
Following the meeting, Moffat contacted Helena Cawley, stating, “I am going to be fired.” Despite reassurances from colleagues, Moffat remained in a state of distress. The inquest revealed that while the department had assigned a manager to provide “pastoral care,” the lack of clarity regarding the potential severity of the disciplinary outcome—which human resources later indicated was unlikely to result in dismissal—exacerbated her anxiety.
Calls for Systemic Reform
In response to the tragedy, the Treasury has initiated changes to its disciplinary protocols. Karen McDermott, a senior HR adviser, confirmed that the department is currently piloting new guidance for staff navigating disciplinary matters. Legal representatives for the Treasury stated that managers are undergoing supplemental training to better handle the welfare aspects of such proceedings.
Anne Moffat, Chloe’s mother, has called for systemic changes, urging the department to mandate mental welfare assessments during disciplinary processes. She emphasized that had her daughter been properly supported and informed of her rights, the outcome could have been different. The inquest into the death of Chloe Moffat remains ongoing.
In the UK, Samaritans can be contacted on 116 123 and the domestic abuse helpline is 0808 2000 247. In Australia, the crisis support service Lifeline is on 13 11 14 and the national family violence counselling service is on 1800 737 732. In the US, the suicide prevention lifeline is 1-800-273-8255 and the domestic violence hotline is 1-800-799-SAFE (7233). Other international helplines can be found via www.befrienders.org