S4C chair's 'inappropriate' shouting at colleague - report

The chairman of TV channel S4C was found to have acted inappropriately by shouting at a now-sacked executive.

The Welsh language channel's former content chief Llinos Griffin-Williams raised a grievance against Rhodri Williams on 16 June after a meeting the day before.

She was sacked over gross misconduct allegations after October's Wales-Georgia rugby world cup game in Nantes.

She denies behaving inappropriately and claims her dismissal was unfair.

Documents seen by Newyddion S4C detail witness accounts of some at the meeting.

An investigation by consultants Effectus HR, concluded in July, detailed Ms Griffin-Williams's complaint that Mr Williams "shouted and screamed aggressively" at her, leaving her "physically shaken and tearing up... getting heart palpitations."

She told investigators Mr Williams abused his power and was "intimidating and aggressive and bullying".

The report highlights the claim that Mr Williams and other S4C staff knew of a serious health condition affecting Ms Griffin-Williams and that occupational health had recommended she should "not be placed under any stress".

The altercation occurred when S4C management requested a meeting with non-executive board members.

That was to discuss communications and work plans during the inquiry into alleged bullying by management members.

The channel's chief executive, Sian Doyle, was sacked in November after being accused of creating a "culture of fear" at S4C.

Last week, her husband issued a statement saying she had been taken to hospital after taking an overdose.

She previously said she "did not recognise or accept" allegations contained in the report.

In evidence to Effectus HR, Mr Williams claimed Ms Griffin-Williams "did not meet the standards expected by someone at her level".

He alleged she had disclosed details of a colleague's health condition and had "insisted on continuing to speak" after being asked "to be quiet".

Mr Williams said the incident was not one way.

He told investigators: "The first thing I said was 'sorry to interrupt you... I don't think it's appropriate for this matter to be discussed' and it was only after that was ignored the first time, and ignored the second time, it is only after then I raised my voice."

In her evidence, Ms Griffin-Willliams said she had apologised and that she "was only talking about information in relation to a press request that had come in that morning."

A letter sent on behalf of former Conservative MP Guto Bebb, who investigated the incident on behalf of the S4C Authority, "substantiated" Ms Griffin-Williams's grievance that the chairman "did interrupt, and raise his voice during the meeting" and concluded "such action was inappropriate and in doing so he did not show sufficient consideration to [her] health and wellbeing."

Mr Williams later emailed Ms Griffin-Williams with an apology.

In a statement on behalf of the S4C Authority after the Capital Law report's publication, independent board members said: "We have been sensitive to a potential conflict of interest for the chairman. These issues were reviewed by members of the authority, independently of the chairman, and have been dealt with accordingly.

"It was agreed that they did not merit any further action and would not prevent the chairman from participating in the ongoing review. All decisions arising from this process have been unanimous."

Ms Griffin-Williams told Newyddion S4C she was "not strong enough to be interviewed on camera".

She said: "Stepping in to S4C was a privilege. But my treatment by the chair and my unfair dismissal after months of his misuse of power have destroyed me.

"I am broken. No words can convey the sadness I feel. He must be answerable, S4C needs protecting."

A spokesperson on behalf of the S4C Authority said: "An allegation of inappropriate behaviour by the chair was dealt with by the authority in June 2023, and he subsequently apologised for raising his voice in a board meeting.

"It was not found that he acted in a threatening, aggressive, intimidating and bullying way. This issue was resolved and concluded at the time.

"There have been a number of inaccuracies in recent media reports on this matter, and we are disappointed that information about a confidential, internal process has been leaked to the press."

Mr Williams and the Department of Culture, Media and Sport, which appoints the S4C chairman, have been approached for comment.