An inquest has found that the United Kingdom’s HM Treasury materially contributed to the suicide of one of its employees by failing to provide adequate information and support during an internal investigation. Chloe Moffat, 26, a personal assistant to a Treasury director, died by suicide on May 20 last year, one day after being confronted with allegations that she had improperly shared sensitive information.

Anna Crawford, assistant coroner at Surrey Coroner’s Court, concluded that the Treasury’s handling of the matter was a significant factor in Ms. Moffat’s death. The inquest revealed that during a meeting on May 19, 2022, Ms. Moffat was informed of accusations that she had disclosed confidential colleagues’ information obtained in her role. She denied the allegations, which were described as “high level,” but was told that no decision had yet been made regarding disciplinary action. When asked if she faced dismissal, a senior manager indicated that an outcome could not be predicted at that time.

Ms. Moffat was temporarily suspended from accessing her director’s email account. The meeting, intended as a fact-finding discussion, left her visibly shocked and distressed, and she was excused from work for the remainder of the day. Following the meeting, she expressed fears of termination in a message to a friend and spoke with her mother, who offered reassurance. She subsequently went to her parents’ home. The following day, she took her own life.

The coroner noted that Ms. Moffat had a strong work record, enjoyed her job, and had no prior disciplinary issues. It was also indicated that the Treasury failed to inform her that, if the allegations were substantiated, the most likely outcome would have been a written warning rather than dismissal. Ms. Crawford stated that Ms. Moffat should have received formal notification outlining this and other pertinent details at the outset of the investigation.

Evidence presented at the inquest pointed out that the type of fact-finding meeting held with Ms. Moffat was common practice within HM Treasury and other government departments, which the coroner identified as a “matter of concern.” Ms. Crawford intends to issue a prevention of future deaths report to HM Treasury, the head of the Civil Service, and the Advisory, Conciliation and Arbitration Service.

Ms. Moffat’s family expressed their grief and disappointment with the Treasury’s duty of care, stating that at a critical time she was left feeling isolated and convinced that her career and reputation were irreparably damaged. They voiced support for any recommendations arising from the inquest aimed at preventing similar tragedies.

In response, a Treasury spokesperson said the department takes the coroner’s findings “extremely seriously” and is carefully reviewing the recommendations. The Treasury noted that it has already made improvements to its guidance, support, and wellbeing arrangements but acknowledged the need for further action to avoid such outcomes in the future.