Treasury accepts role in staff member's death

The Treasury has accepted it contributed to the death of a personal assistant and said "immediate steps" have been taken to tackle outstanding risks.

Chloe Moffat, 26, took her own life in May 2025, the day after managers told her of allegations that she had shared sensitive confidential information, which she denied.

A coroner found a practice within HM Treasury of "informal fact-finding" meetings with employees accused of misconduct had no basis in the ministry's policy and posed a risk of future death.

Responding, the Treasury and the Cabinet Office wrote that they "accept the concerns identified" and "take them extremely seriously".

The Cabinet Office said it would also undertake a wider review of workplace conflict and resolution across Whitehall within a year.

At Moffat's inquest in August, the Treasury was found to have "materially contributed" to her death by not telling her that the likely penalty if allegations against her were proven would be a written warning and not dismissal.

In a response to the coroner's report, the Treasury "accepted the findings in the report in full" and said it had taken immediate action to mitigate the concerns raised.

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Strengthened "wellbeing safeguards" had been introduced and the use of informal fact-finding meetings had been stopped while a full policy review was conducted, the department said.

Employees facing misconduct allegations would be informed of the possible outcomes before being asked to respond and a suicide prevention framework was being developed, it added.

"HM Treasury has considered these concerns carefully and has taken immediate steps to mitigate the identified risks," according to the department's response.

"While this work introduces some enhancements, much of it is intended to strengthen, clarify and build on the procedures and support already in place."

A Treasury spokesperson added: "The Treasury's deepest sympathies continue to be with Chloe's friends and family, and the department continues to mourn our colleague.

"An independent review found staff acted in good faith and with a duty of care throughout."

Additional reporting by the Press Association

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