Former S4C boss files claim against the channel

The former chief executive of S4C has filed a personal injury claim against her former employer at the High Court.

It comes after Sian Doyle was sacked from the publicly funded Welsh language broadcaster on November 2023 after being accused of being "dictatorial" and "creating a culture of fear".

In a statement to BBC-produced Newyddion S4C, her lawyers said Ms Doyle had been subjected to a "truly extraordinary and inappropriate period of mistreatment" which "has seriously damaged her health and wellbeing".

S4C and former chairman Rhodri Williams have declined to comment.

After the BECTU union initially complained of a "bullying and toxic culture" within the broadcaster in spring 2023, then chairman Rhodri Williams launched an independent investigation into the allegations.

Capital Law undertook the investigation, and 92 people gave evidence about the culture and working environment at S4C.

According to the report, 10 people broke down in tears while giving evidence, while 11 claimed working at S4C had a "detrimental effect on their health".

Some people were quoted as saying she directly impacted negatively on their health.

One person said: "The chief executive had put me in a very nasty position, many other staff too, I was aware of that.

"But my friends and my family worried a lot about my mental health at the time. I had become very tearful. I couldn't sleep."

Ms Doyle said she did not "recognise or accept the allegations made" and had no opportunity to respond, and noted it focused on a small minority of views despite being commissioned by the chairman.

It has now been revealed that on February she filed a personal injury claim against S4C and has until 21 February to provide details of her alleged injury, as well as the compensation she is claiming.

Her lawyer, Paul Daniels, said they had no choice but to take action due to S4C and Rhodri Williams' "prolonged" failure to accept their mediation offer and the unacceptable delays in responding to the claim letters.

According to Mr Daniels, the claims are for negligence [breach of the duty of care owed to our client], unlawful harassment, misfeasance in public office, breach of privacy rights, breach of confidence, and data protection breaches.

He added: "No-one should be treated in this way, whether a senior or a junior employee, by an organisation and a chairman that is legally required to act lawfully, fairly and in accordance with the Nolan Principles governing the conduct of public office."

In a written statement, her husband Rob Doyle said: "I am deeply saddened by the traumatic impact that S4C and the former chairman's treatment has had on Sian and my family.

"The distress and emotional harm she has suffered is devastating and is affecting every aspect of her wellbeing.

"This ongoing mistreatment has caused lasting harm and we are committed to obtaining full justice and accountability under UK law and the Nolan principles."

S4C and former chairman Rhodri Williams declined to comment on the High Court claim.