Treasury accepts that it contributed to staffer's death after inquest

The Treasury says it has taken “immediate steps” to tackle outstanding risks, after accepting it contributed to the death of a personal assistant who died by suicide following a disciplinary meeting.

Chloe Moffat, 26, died on May 20 last year, the day after a meeting with managers in which she was told about allegations that she had shared sensitive confidential information, which she denied.

A coroner’s report found that a practice within the Treasury of “informal fact-finding” meetings with employees accused of serious or gross misconduct had no basis in the ministry’s written policy and posed a risk of future death.

At an inquest earlier this year, the 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” and said it had taken immediate action to mitigate the concerns raised.

Strengthened “wellbeing safeguards” have been introduced and the use of informal fact-finding meetings has been stopped while a full policy review is conducted, the department said.

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, it 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.”

If you are experiencing feelings of distress, or are struggling to cope, you can speak to the Samaritans, in confidence, on 116 123 (UK and ROI) or visit the Samaritans website to find details of your nearest branch.

If you are based in the USA, and you or someone you know needs mental health assistance right now, call or text 988, or visit 988lifeline.org to access online chat from the 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline. This is a free, confidential crisis hotline that is available to everyone 24 hours a day, seven days a week. If you are in another country, you can go to www.befrienders.org to find a helpline near you