Misconduct row S4C boss claims unfair dismissal

A boss at Welsh-language broadcaster S4C claims she was dismissed "unfairly" and has herself been the subject of "inappropriate behaviour".

It comes after Llinos Griffin-Williams was sacked last month following allegations of gross misconduct.

In a letter sent by her lawyers Ms Griffin-Williams says she is "utterly devastated" by her "unfair dismissal".

S4C say she was dismissed "following receipt of serious allegations about her conduct".

It added the decision was made after receiving "detailed legal advice".

A statement on Ms Griffin-Williams' behalf says her goal as S4C's chief content officer was to "take Welsh language content to the world" and "to open up the language by use of diverse, accessible Welsh".

She claims she was dismissed by S4C chairman Rhodri Williams who "acted unilaterally without the knowledge of the senior management team…and the S4C board."

Newyddion S4C understands part of the grounds for her dismissal related to alleged comments she made to former Wales scrum half Mike Phillips, who was part of S4C's team covering this autumn's Rugby World Cup.

It was alleged Ms Griffin-Williams had told him his Welsh was not of a high enough standard to broadcast on the channel.

In the letter, lawyers on behalf of Ms Griffin-Williams said she "categorically denies" those allegations.

She also denies that she "behaved inappropriately or in any way that would justify a finding of gross misconduct".

She claims she was "denied an opportunity to present evidence from the witnesses who were present who refute the allegations made against me".

Her statement ends with a claim that "two women in senior management roles at S4C" have made grievance complaints against Mr Williams.

She calls on the UK government's Department for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport which is responsible for appointing the S4C chair to investigate those claims.

DCMS said this was a "matter for S4C, which is independent of government" and that they are "unable to comment on individual cases".

Mr Williams was contacted for a response, but pointed to a statement issued by S4C.

It said: "Llinos Griffin-Williams was summarily dismissed, without notice, for gross misconduct on multiple grounds, following receipt of serious allegations about her conduct at events following the Rugby World Cup match between Wales and Georgia on 7 October 2023.

"Based on the evidence presented, and detailed legal advice, the decision to summarily dismiss the individual was taken by the S4C board chair.

"The decision was subsequently supported by the non-executive members of the board."