Woman sacked by S4C after Rugby World Cup row 'had been subject to bullying', report says

The chairman of the S4C board had reportedly been found to have behaved in a “threatening, aggressive, intimidating and bullying” manner towards a senior employee who was swiftly sacked after allegations were made about her behaviour while she was working in France during the Rugby World Cup.

Llinos Griffin-Williams was dismissed by Rhodri Williams, chairman of the S4C board, for what S4C said was "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". Those allegations included her behaviour towards former Welsh rugby international Mike Phillips during a social event in France in October, when she was alleged to have told him his Welsh wasn't good enough.

The Times is now reporting that a report by the S4C's board secretary found that Mr Williams had behaved in a “threatening, aggressive, intimidating and bullying” manner during a meeting in June towards Ms Griffin-Williams, four months before the alleged Rugby World Cup incident. The Times quotes the report as saying “such action was inappropriate and … he did not show sufficient consideration to your health and wellbeing.”

S4C has confirmed to WalesOnline that Mr Williams was the person who made the decision to fire Ms Griffin-Williams. A spokesman on behalf of the S4C board told WalesOnline: "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 October 7, 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."

The Times quoted Ms Griffin-Williams, 41, as denying the allegations of gross misconduct and saying that she was “utterly devastated by the unfair dismissal”, which she said was conducted without a fair investigation. She says: “I was shown no evidence, was given no right to reply, afforded no duty of care and no procedures or policies were followed. I was denied any opportunity to [offer] evidence from the witnesses who were present and who refute the allegations against me.”

In May 2023, an investigation was launched following claims of "bullying and a toxic culture" at Welsh-language channel S4C. At the time, Mr Williams said the board had appointed an external legal firm, Capital Law, to carry out the investigation after claims were made by a union-representing staff. In a letter, broadcasting union Bectu alleged that there was a "culture of fear" at the organisation. It also described "staff regularly being brought to tears" and "too scared to share their experiences".

The spokesman for the S4C board added: "The independent fact-finding process was commissioned by the non-executive members in early May 2023 in response to a letter from Bectu which raised significant concerns about the work environment within S4C. The letter referred in particular to an atmosphere in which some individuals did not feel able to raise concerns.

"The board wishes to make it crystal clear that S4C must offer a work environment in which staff can raise any concerns without fear. and that staff feel that those concerns have been dealt with in a fair and reasonable manner. The non-executive members of the S4C board will consider the outcome of the fact finding process in due course, and will make public its response."

WalesOnline approached Rhodri Williams for comment but has not received a response.

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