The mother of Chloe Moffat, a 26-year-old Treasury worker who took her own life after a disciplinary meeting, has called for the government department to overhaul its practices. An inquest at Surrey Coroner's Court heard that Moffat, who had worked as a personal assistant for nearly three years, 'loved her job' and had an 'exemplary employment record'. She was in line for a promotion and had been awarded a bonus, but died before learning of it.
Disciplinary meeting details
Moffat was called into a meeting with her line manager and a senior manager without prior notice of the subject or the senior manager's attendance. She was told of an anonymous complaint alleging she had shared confidential information about colleagues, access she had from managing her director's email inbox. Her access to the director's diary and email was temporarily removed. During the meeting, Moffat asked if she would lose her job; the senior manager replied she could not predict any outcome. Moffat was not allowed to bring a colleague or friend, as the senior manager said any alternative attendee would have made the meeting feel more formal.
Impact on mental health
The court heard Moffat was 'shocked, crying at points, distressed, overwhelmed' during the meeting. She asked for her best friend at work but was refused. Her line manager, assigned as pastoral care despite direct oversight, told her not to speak to friends about the allegations. The coroner questioned why Moffat was not notified beforehand to prepare and seek support; the senior manager said this could cause 'unnecessary stress'. Moffat denied the allegations, and the senior manager began drafting a formal investigation letter but waited to send it. Moffat died the following day.
Family and friends' testimony
Friends testified Moffat was 'convinced' she would be dismissed. One friend received a text from Moffat after the meeting saying, 'I am going to be fired.' They met in St James’s Park, where Moffat broke down crying. Friends described her as taking 'great pride in her work' and 'never made a mistake'. Her mother, Anne Moffat, said: 'The evidence establishes a clear sequence of events. Had Chloe been properly supported and advised of her rights before the meeting, she would not have been so devastated and isolated.' She is calling for mandatory mental welfare assessments in disciplinary proceedings and formal treatment from the outset when serious misconduct is alleged.
Treasury's response
The Treasury is changing its disciplinary proceedings as a result of Moffat's death. A senior HR adviser said the department is piloting new advice for staff dealing with disciplinary matters, and managers are receiving additional training. Moffat's parents questioned why she was not told she was unlikely to lose her job given her distress; a senior HR business partner said that would have been 'unhelpful' at that stage. Moffat's line manager stated, 'No, I think we did all we could at the time with the information and advice we were given.' Anne Moffat said: 'Our hope is that lessons will be learned. The risks must be recognised so no other family will experience a loss like this.' The inquest continues.
