By Karim Hammam
The UK Treasury has accepted that its actions contributed to the death of a personal assistant who died by suicide following a disciplinary meeting.
Coroner's findings
Chloe Moffat, 26, died on 20 May 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 the Treasury’s practice 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 were proven would be a written warning and not dismissal.
Treasury response
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. Employees facing allegations of gross or serious misconduct will now be informed of the possible outcomes before being asked to respond, and a suicide prevention framework is being developed along with enhanced mental health support.
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 the assistant coroner for Surrey, Anna Crawford, both departments said they accepted the concerns identified and were committed to ensuring lessons from Moffat’s death result in meaningful and lasting improvements. The Treasury added that an independent review found staff acted in good faith and with a duty of care throughout.
A Treasury spokesperson said the department’s deepest sympathies continue to be with Moffat’s friends and family and that it continues to mourn its colleague.
If you are experiencing feelings of distress, you can contact the Samaritans on 116 123 (UK and ROI) or visit the Samaritans website. In the USA, call or text 988 or visit 988lifeline.org. In other countries, go to www.befrienders.org to find a helpline near you.
