S4C reaches settlement with former chief executive

Former S4C boss Sian Doyle was sacked after being accused of being "dictatorial"

Welsh language channel S4C has reached an out-of-court settlement with its former boss Sian Doyle, the broadcaster has confirmed.

The chief executive was sacked from her £162,000 a year role in November 2023 after being accused of being "dictatorial" and "creating a culture of fear".

Ms Doyle later filed a personal injury claim against her former employer at the High Court.

S4C said the settlement reached with Ms Doyle ends her proceedings against it and former chairman Rhodri Williams.

Its terms are confidential and there is no admission of liability by any party.

Mr Williams told Newyddion S4C he had nothing to add to S4C's statement.

Claims of bullying at S4C emerged in April 2023 when a letter from the trade union Bectu was leaked.

Mr Williams launched an independent investigation conducted by Capital Law, later revealed to have cost £500,000.

Ms Doyle was sacked shortly before its publication.

Abusive and bad language she was alleged to have used was quoted in the report.

This included disparaging comments about colleagues and S4C presenters.

Ms Doyle said at the time she did not "recognise or accept the allegations".

"This report was commissioned and delivered by the chairman, so it is no surprise that of the 92 people who participated in the investigation, the report has focused on the views of a small minority," Ms Doyle said.

"For clarity, I had no notice that the report would be published today, have not been offered a right of reply by S4C and first read the report in the media."

On filing her claim at the High Court, Ms Doyle's lawyers said she had been subjected to a "truly extraordinary and inappropriate period of mistreatment" which "has seriously damaged her health and wellbeing".

S4C and Rhodri Williams did not comment at the time.

It is believed the settlement was reached on the advice of insurers and lawyers for S4C and Rhodri Williams.

Newyddion S4C has been told no public money was spent on the settlement and that the broadcaster is yet to have discussions with insurers about whether premiums will increase.

She and S4C have now reached a legal deal

It is unclear whether it covered the parties' legal costs.

Sian Doyle's husband, Rob, said they were "delighted" with the settlement which "resolves all issues between us, avoids prolonged court proceedings and unnecessary further cost to the taxpayer - while also allowing for a faster resolution and the opportunity for closure so that we can move forward with our lives".

He added that his wife had "made a significant personal contribution to a charity dedicated to addressing gender inequality in the workplace".

S4C said: "Continuing with the legal processes would inevitably have involved significant time, cost and stress for all involved.

"The parties are pleased to have resolved their differences and to have drawn a line under the matter."

The broadcaster confirmed it had undertaken a governance review and introduced a culture code "to ensure S4C's values are upheld on and off the screen".

This settlement does not have any bearing on a separate action brought by S4C's former chief content officer, Llinos Griffin-Williams, who is also suing the broadcaster after she was sacked.