The father of a Treasury worker who took her own life a day after a meeting with her managers has accused the department of failing in its duty of care. Chloe Moffat, 26, a personal assistant to a Treasury director, died on May 20 last year. The day before her death, she attended what she believed would be a routine one-to-one meeting with her line manager, but instead a more senior manager was present, and she was told about allegations that she had shared sensitive information about colleagues—allegations she denied.
Father describes 'unbearable loss' and 'beggars belief' handling
Her father, David Moffat, told BBC Radio 4’s Today programme that the family’s loss had “torn such a big hole in our lives.” He described the way the Treasury handled the meeting as “beggars belief.” “Chloe’s first comment was, ‘Oh, this must be serious, there’s two of you here,’” he said. “And then they worked through and put several allegations to her that she’d shared confidential information.”
During the meeting, Chloe repeatedly asked whether she could lose her job, but her question was not answered. She also asked whether she could have a friend present, but this request was refused, her father claimed. David added: “Even though she asked, they said they could not determine the outcome.” Chloe was locked out of her work emails immediately after the meeting.
Inquest finds meeting 'materially contributed' to death
An inquest earlier this month found that the Treasury had not followed its written disciplinary policy, which stated that if the allegations were proven, the likely punishment would have been a written warning rather than a dismissal. The coroner found that the meeting with her managers had “materially contributed” to her death.
“There was no safeguarding, there was no support during or after that meeting, from what we’ve seen and what we’ve read,” David continued. “It beggars belief that an organisation that is front and central in our government cannot get it right.” Asked whether he believed the Treasury had taken responsibility for its role in Chloe’s death, David replied: “Not yet.”
Family seeks lessons learned; Treasury responds
David said he and his wife Anne are focused on ensuring that “lessons are learned” after they received a letter from Treasury permanent secretary James Bowler, who also met him last August. “If something positive can come from this unbearable loss that we’re suffering, that’s all we look to achieve,” David said. The Moffat family has not yet said whether they are deciding to take further action against the Treasury.
A Treasury spokesperson told the BBC: “The Treasury’s deepest sympathies continue to be with Chloe’s friends and family, and the department continues to mourn our colleague. We will learn the lessons from this tragedy. We are working urgently to respond to the coroner’s findings and we have introduced immediate changes to our guidance, support and wellbeing arrangements.” Metro has contacted the Treasury for comment.
For emotional support, the Samaritans 24-hour helpline is available on 116 123, email jo@samaritans.org, or visit a Samaritans branch in person or the Samaritans website. PAPYRUS offers specialised suicide prevention support for young people; their HOPELINE247 is open every day of the year, 24 hours a day, at 0800 068 4141, text 88247, or email pat@papyrus-uk.org.
