HM Treasury Addresses Coroner’s Concerns Over Employee’s Death
In a significant acknowledgment, HM Treasury has admitted its role in the tragic death of Chloe Moffat, a personal assistant within the department. The 26-year-old took her own life in May 2025 following accusations of sharing sensitive information, allegations she denied.
A coroner’s report revealed that Moffat’s distress partly stemmed from an informal inquiry process that did not align with the department’s official procedures. These fact-finding meetings, used with accused employees, lacked policy grounding and were deemed a potential future risk by the coroner.
Immediate Changes Implemented
In response to the findings, the Treasury stated it is undertaking immediate revisions to its processes. A critical change involves suspending the informal meetings process while conducting a comprehensive policy review. Moving forward, employees will be informed of potential disciplinary outcomes before responding to accusations.
Furthermore, the department is enhancing support systems by introducing stronger wellbeing measures and developing a suicide prevention framework to support employees more effectively.
Institutional Reforms on the Horizon
The Treasury, in conjunction with the Cabinet Office, has committed to a broader review of workplace conflict and resolution mechanisms, not just within the Treasury but across Whitehall. This initiative aims to address systemic issues that may affect employee wellbeing and ensure processes are fair and transparent.
The inquest held in August concluded that HM Treasury’s lack of clarity on the consequences Moffat faced significantly contributed to the unfortunate outcome. The Treasury acknowledged all the coroner’s findings and took steps to implement suggested changes.
A spokesperson for HM Treasury expressed deep sympathies to Moffat’s loved ones, extending condolences while affirming the department’s commitment to improving its duty of care. An independent review had previously established that staff acted with good intentions and maintained a duty of care throughout the proceedings.
Commitment to a Supportive Work Environment
These developments highlight a renewed dedication by HM Treasury to fostering a supportive environment where all employees understand procedures and potential outcomes. Such measures aim to prevent similar incidents in the future, prioritizing mental health and clarity in workplace policies.
For anyone affected by this incident or similar issues, resources and support are available through various action lines.
Photo by Ivan Bandura on Unsplash
