Treasury accepts it contributed to the death of 'exemplary' employee, 26, who took her own life one day after meeting over anonymous complaint

Published: 14:25 EDT, 30 October 2026 | Updated: 14:26 EDT, 30 October 2026 The Treasury has accepted it contributed to the death of an 'exemplary' employee who took her own life following a meeting with managers about an anonymous complaint.Chloe Moffat, 26, died on May 20 last year after being hauled into a meeting with senior staff and accused of sharing sensitive information about her colleagues, which she denied. Ms Moffat attended what she had assumed was a routine meeting with her line manager on May 19 last year.During the meeting she asked several times if her job was at risk, and if she could be supported by a friend.Both requests were refused. Asked by a tearful Ms Moffat if she would lose her job, the senior manager said she 'could not predict the outcome at this stage'.When she came out of the meeting, Ms Moffat found she was locked out of her emails. She was also told not to mention the allegations to colleagues.That evening she went home to see her parents in Godalming, Surrey, and was found dead by her father the next day. The Treasury had previously relied on 'informal fact-finding' meetings with employees accused of serious or gross misconduct. Chloe Moffat (pictured), 26, took her own life on May 20 last year after being hauled into a meeting with senior staff and accused of sharing sensitive information about her colleaguesBut now, a coroner's report has found that the practice had no basis in the ministry's written policy and posed a risk of future death. At an inquest earlier this year, the government department was found to have 'materially contributed to Miss Moffat's death' by not informing her that the likely penalty if allegations against her were proven would be a written warning and not dismissal.In a response to the prevention of future deaths report, the Treasury 'accepted the findings in the report in full'.The Treasury said it had taken immediate action to mitigate the concerns raised.This included the introduction of strengthened 'wellbeing safeguards' and the use of informal fact-finding meetings had been stopped while a full policy review is conducted.Employees facing allegations of gross or serious misconduct will be informed of the possible outcomes of the process before being asked to respond and a suicide prevention framework is being developed along with enhanced mental health support, the department added.The Cabinet Office said it would also undertake a wider review of workplace conflict and resolution across Whitehall over the next 12 months.Writing to assistant coroner for Surrey Anna Crawford, who conducted both the inquest and the prevention of future deaths report, the departments said: 'HM Treasury and the Cabinet Office accept the concerns identified in your report and take them extremely seriously.'We are committed to ensuring that the lessons arising from Chloe's death result in meaningful and lasting improvements.'HM Treasury has also accepted all the recommendations arising from its independent review, which was shared with you in January as part of the inquest process.'Your report identifies risks arising where allegations that, if substantiated, could constitute serious or gross misconduct are initially considered through an informal process without the safeguards of a formal disciplinary procedure.'HM Treasury has considered these concerns carefully and has taken immediate steps to mitigate the identified risks, including introducing additional safeguards to support employees.'While this work introduces some enhancements, much of it is intended to strengthen, clarify and build on the procedures and support already in place.'A Treasury spokesperson said: 'The Treasury's deepest sympathies continue to be with Chloe's friends and family, and the department continues to mourn our colleague.'Our response to the coroner's prevention of future deaths report sets out the action we have taken following this tragic case.'An independent review found staff acted in good faith and with a duty of care throughout.'For confidential support, call Samaritans on 116 123, visit samaritans.org or thecalmzone.net