An inquest has heard how a 26-year-old HM Treasury employee died by suicide the day after attending a workplace meeting that left her believing she was about to lose her job, prompting renewed calls for changes to how disciplinary investigations are handled. Chloe Moffat, 26, who worked as a personal assistant at HM Treasury, had built what colleagues described as an “exemplary” employment record during almost three years with the department. The inquest at Surrey Coroner’s Court heard that Ms Moffat had recently received a performance bonus and had been considered for career progression before an unexpected meeting in May last year changed her outlook.
Unexpected Workplace Meeting
The court heard Ms Moffat was called into a meeting with her line manager and a senior Treasury official without prior notice of its purpose. During the meeting, she was informed that an anonymous complaint had been made alleging she had shared confidential information obtained through her role managing a director’s email inbox. No disciplinary findings had been reached at that stage, and the inquest heard the meeting was not recorded. Ms Moffat had not been provided with written details of the allegation beforehand. The court was told she asked if a trusted colleague could attend the meeting to support her, but this request was declined. When she asked whether she would lose her job, a senior manager later told the inquest they responded that they could not predict the outcome of any future investigation. Following the meeting, Ms Moffat temporarily lost access to her director’s email account and diary and was instructed not to discuss the allegations with colleagues while enquiries continued.
“I Am Going to Be Fired”
Friends and relatives described Ms Moffat as someone who took enormous pride in her work and rarely made mistakes. One friend told the court she received a text message from Ms Moffat shortly after the meeting which read:
“I am going to be fired.”
The pair later met in central London, where Ms Moffat was described as deeply distressed and worried not only about losing her current role but about the impact the allegations could have on her future career. The inquest heard witnesses believed she left the meeting convinced her professional reputation had been irreparably damaged. No formal assessment of her mental wellbeing was carried out following the meeting, despite managers recognising she was upset. Ms Moffat died the following day.
Family Calls for Change
Her mother, Anne Moffat, has urged HM Treasury to introduce mandatory mental wellbeing assessments whenever employees face allegations of serious misconduct. She said she hopes lessons can be learned to ensure that “no other family will experience a loss like this.” The family believes employees should be made fully aware of their rights and offered appropriate welfare support before and during disciplinary investigations.
Treasury Reviewing Procedures
Lawyers representing HM Treasury told the inquest the department has since begun reviewing its disciplinary procedures and is introducing additional guidance and training for managers involved in workplace investigations. Ms Moffat’s line manager told the court they believed they had acted appropriately based on the information available at the time. In a statement, an HM Treasury spokesperson said the department was “deeply saddened by the death of our colleague Chloe last year.”
Wider Questions Raised
The case has prompted broader discussion about the psychological impact workplace investigations can have on employees, particularly where allegations arise unexpectedly and involve concerns about future employment and professional reputation. The coroner is considering whether to issue a Prevention of Future Deaths Report, which could recommend changes to disciplinary procedures if concerns are identified. The inquest at Surrey Coroner’s Court is continuing. If you have been affected by any of the issues raised in this article, confidential support is available from the Samaritans by calling 116 123, or through their local services. If you believe someone is at immediate risk, call 999.
