The father of Chloe Moffat, a 26-year-old civil servant who took her own life shortly after facing serious allegations at work, has criticized the UK Treasury for failing to take responsibility for her death.
Why it matters: Chloe’s tragic death has raised serious questions about workplace support systems and safeguarding measures in government departments.
Chloe Moffat died by suicide on May 20, 2025, just a day after a meeting with her managers where she was accused of sharing confidential information.
An inquest ruled in August 2026 that the Treasury had materially contributed to her death by not following its own HR procedures.
David Moffat, Chloe's father, expressed his frustration, stating the lack of support and safeguarding during the disciplinary process was shocking.
The case has sparked discussions around the need for improved mental health support and safeguarding for employees facing allegations.
Driving the news: The inquest revealed that during the May 19 meeting, Chloe was confronted with allegations from an anonymous complaint, which she denied.
Chloe was informed by her line manager and a senior manager about the allegations but was not warned beforehand about the nature of the meeting.
She repeatedly asked if she would lose her job and requested a friend be present for support; both requests were denied.
After the meeting, Chloe was locked out of her emails, which compounded her distress as she feared for her job security.
A coroner stated that the shock and distress from the allegations significantly contributed to her state of mind prior to her death.
State of play: Following the inquest, David Moffat has publicly criticized the Treasury for its handling of the situation.
He described the department's failure to provide support as "beggars belief," emphasizing the absence of any duty of care during and after the meeting.
David noted that Chloe had a strong work record and had not faced any previous disciplinary actions, highlighting the severity of the situation.
Chloe was reportedly up for a promotion and a bonus at the time, making the allegations even more distressing for her.
The Treasury has stated it is reviewing its disciplinary processes and will implement changes to prevent similar tragedies in the future.
The big picture: The implications of this case extend beyond Chloe Moffat's tragic death.
This incident has highlighted the urgent need for government departments to prioritize mental health and employee welfare, especially during disciplinary proceedings.
Chloe's family is considering pursuing legal action against the Treasury, seeking accountability and redress for their loss.
The case has sparked conversations about how organizations handle allegations and the importance of safeguarding employees' mental health.
Chloe's mother, Anne Moffat, referred to the allegations as "vexatious" office gossip that contributed to her daughter's distress.
What they're saying: David Moffat has been vocal about his disappointment with the Treasury's response to his daughter's death.
He appeared on BBC Radio 4, describing the moment Chloe realized the seriousness of the situation, stating, "Chloe's first comment was, 'Oh, this must be serious, there's two of you here.'"
He emphasized that there was no safeguarding or support provided during the meeting, saying, "There was no duty of care, there was no safeguarding, there was no support for Chloe during or after that meeting."
David also expressed his desire for something positive to emerge from their unbearable loss, indicating a hope for systemic change within the Treasury.
A spokesperson for the Treasury acknowledged the coroner's findings and stated that they are taking the matter seriously, pledging to improve their support and wellbeing arrangements.
By the numbers: Key details surrounding Chloe Moffat's case highlight the gravity of the situation.
Chloe worked as a personal assistant at the Treasury for nearly three years and had an exemplary employment record.
The inquest ruled that the Treasury did not follow its own written disciplinary policy, which would have indicated a written warning rather than dismissal was likely.
Chloe was locked out of her emails immediately after the meeting, which left her feeling isolated and distressed.
The coroner's findings indicate that the Treasury's actions materially contributed to Chloe's state of mind prior to her death.
What's next: The Treasury has committed to reviewing its disciplinary process in light of Chloe's death.
They have stated that they will learn lessons from this tragedy and are currently considering the coroner's findings carefully.
The department has already introduced improvements to guidance and support for employees facing disciplinary actions.
David Moffat and his family plan to continue advocating for changes that will protect employees from similar situations in the future.
As the Treasury moves forward, it remains under scrutiny to see if real changes will be implemented to safeguard the mental health of its employees.