Surrey Inquest Highlights Workplace Duty of Care Failures
Woking Court Hears Evidence of Systemic Safeguarding Gaps
Surrey Coroner's Court in Woking recently concluded a significant inquest that has raised serious questions about workplace duty of care across government departments. The case centres on a Treasury employee who tragically took her own life in May, the day following a disciplinary meeting at her workplace in London.
The coroner's findings, delivered to our local community and beyond, paint a troubling picture of how disciplinary procedures were handled. Assistant coroner Anna Crawford determined that HM Treasury materially contributed to the death by failing to follow its own written policy framework. Specifically, the department did not inform the employee that the likely outcome of the allegations against her would be a written warning rather than dismissal—a critical omission that caused unnecessary distress and fear.
For those of us living in Woking, Guildford, Horsley, East Horsley, and surrounding Surrey neighbourhoods, this case serves as a stark reminder of how institutional failures can have devastating personal consequences. The inquest heard that the employee was shocked, upset, and left without proper support or safeguarding measures following the meeting. Her parents have expressed that the organisation showed no duty of care whatsoever during this critical period.
What the Family and Community Need to Know
Chloe Moffat's father, David Moffat, has spoken publicly about the impact of losing his daughter and his determination that positive change emerges from this tragedy. Speaking to BBC Radio 4, he emphasised that the Treasury failed to provide basic safeguarding or support during and after the disciplinary meeting. His call for “lessons to be learned” reflects the concerns of families across Surrey and beyond who depend on government institutions to treat employees with dignity and care.
The coroner has now sent a Prevention of Future Deaths report to HM Treasury, the head of the civil service, and to Acas—the government's Advisory, Conciliation and Arbitration Service. This formal notification mechanism exists precisely to prompt systemic change and prevent similar tragedies.
For our local community, whether you work in the public sector, private business, or are a manager at local companies in Woking, Dorking, or Horsley, this case underscores the importance of robust employee wellbeing policies. The Treasury has since introduced immediate changes to guidance, support, and wellbeing arrangements, and has agreed to meet with Chloe's parents to discuss further actions. Her family's willingness to engage with the department suggests a path toward meaningful reform.
Local Employers: What Action to Take Now
For Surrey-based businesses, employers, and community organisations across Woking, East Horsley, and our wider region, this inquest carries an urgent message about workplace responsibility. Managers should review whether your organisation's disciplinary procedures are clearly documented, properly communicated to staff, and genuinely protective of employee wellbeing.
Key steps every local employer should consider: First, ensure that disciplinary meetings include clear communication about potential outcomes, not vague threats or uncertainties. Second, provide immediate support and safeguarding measures during stressful workplace situations—this might include allowing employees to leave early, offering counselling, or involving occupational health services. Third, train all managers on duty of care obligations and mental health awareness.
Whether you run a small business in Guildford's town centre, manage a team at a local firm in Horsley, or oversee operations at a larger concern in Woking or Dorking, these principles apply universally. The Treasury's failure to apply its own written policy should serve as a cautionary tale. Moving forward, the coroner's recommendations will likely influence how Acas advises employers nationally. Local businesses that proactively strengthen their safeguarding now demonstrate genuine commitment to their workforce's wellbeing and resilience.
Source: Father of Treasury worker who took own life in Surrey hopes ‘lessons learned’
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