The Treasury is reviewing its disciplinary procedures following the death of 26-year-old employee Chloe Moffat, who died by suicide the day after a high-pressure meeting regarding an anonymous complaint. During an inquest at the Surrey coroners’ court, officials confirmed that Moffat was denied a support person during the meeting, was not informed of her rights, and was left in a state of distress after being told the department could not predict the outcome of an investigation into her conduct.
Disciplinary Process and Inquest Findings
Chloe Moffat had worked as a personal assistant at the Treasury for almost three years, maintaining what the court described as an “exemplary employment record.” Despite being in line for a promotion and having earned a bonus for good work, her career trajectory shifted abruptly when she was summoned to a meeting with her line manager, Kimberly Aldrich, the head of group management for international economics, and the head of global issues, Elizabeth Farmer.
During this session, Moffat was informed of an anonymous complaint alleging she had shared confidential information. According to testimony from Elizabeth Farmer, Moffat was not given prior notice of the meeting’s subject or of Farmer’s attendance. When Moffat asked if her job was at risk, Farmer stated she “couldn’t predict any outcome of any potential investigation.”
Moffat, who was described by her manager Kimberly Aldrich as “shocked, crying at points, distressed, overwhelmed,” repeatedly requested that her best friend at work, Helena Cawley, be present. Farmer denied this request, stating that any alternative attendee would have made the meeting feel “more formal.”
Calls for Reform and Treasury Response
Anne Moffat, the mother of the deceased, has publicly urged the Treasury to overhaul how it handles staff grievances. She advocates for the mandatory assessment of employee mental welfare during disciplinary proceedings and insists that cases involving serious or gross misconduct should be treated as formal from the start, ensuring the accused is informed of their rights.
The Treasury is changing its disciplinary proceedings as a result of Moffat’s death. Karen McDermott, a senior HR adviser, told the inquest that the department is currently piloting new advice for staff dealing with disciplinary matters. Additionally, legal representatives for the Treasury noted that managers are receiving additional training.
Future Implications for Treasury Policy
The inquest into Moffat’s death remains ongoing.
Frequently Asked Questions
What were the specific allegations against Chloe Moffat?
Moffat was accused of sharing confidential information regarding colleagues, information she had access to because she ran her director’s email inbox.
Why was Moffat denied a support person during her disciplinary meeting?
Elizabeth Farmer, the head of global issues, testified that any alternative attendee would have made the meeting feel “more formal.”
Is the Treasury changing its disciplinary process?
Yes. According to senior HR adviser Karen McDermott, the Treasury is currently piloting new advice for staff dealing with disciplinary matters and providing additional training for managers.
If you or someone you know is struggling, help is available. In the UK, contact Samaritans at 116 123. In the US, call the suicide prevention lifeline at 1-800-273-8255. In Australia, contact Lifeline at 13 11 14.
How should organizations balance the need for internal investigations with the duty of care for their employees’ mental health?
