S4C: Investigation into channel after bullying allegations

S4C's headquarters are in Carmarthen

An investigation has been launched after claims of "bullying and a toxic culture" at publicly-funded Welsh-language channel S4C.

The independent external investigation comes after the claims were made by a union representing staff.

A letter written by the Bectu union described a "a culture of fear" within the organisation.

S4C said it has decided to appoint a law firm to undertake an independent investigation into concerns raised.

The broadcaster has been based in Carmarthen since moving from Cardiff in 2014.

• TV birthplace of Fireman Sam and SuperTed turns 40

• Netflix airs first Welsh language drama

• Hunger strike behind S4C creation

Established in 1982, at the same time Channel 4 was launched, S4C has been an integral part of Welsh media for the past 40 years.

Among its successes are SuperTed, Sam Tan (translated to Fireman Sam) and long-running soap Pobol y Cwm.

More recently, hit dramas such as Y Gwyll (Hinterland), Un Bore Mercher (Keeping Faith) and Dal y Mellt (Rough Cut) have registered success in the English language too.

This investigation will come as a big shock to a TV channel which claims it contributed £141.1m to the Welsh economy in 2019-20.

'Staff regularly brought to tears'

Bectu's negotiation secretary in Wales, Carwyn Donovan, wrote a letter to independent members of the channel's executive board which described "staff regularly being brought to tears" and "too scared to share their experiences".

Mr Donovan said in his letter that the meeting was "the most shocking" in his career as a trade union representative, noting "four staff members broke down in tears" while "giving their accounts of the situation".

S4C chairman Rhodri Williams announced the board had decided to appoint legal firm Capital Law to undertake the investigation.

Rhodri Williams says he is "comfortable" that the channel has responded in the "appropriate way" to the allegations

He said the letter "obviously didn't make for comfortable reading," and that "a number of points raised, if proved to be true, would give us serious concerns."

"They are not the type of things anyone responsible for any organisation would like to read, be that a private or a public organisation," he said.

'Keep an open mind'

When asked whether the board had been slow to react to concerns raised by some members of staff, Mr Williams denied it, and said he was "comfortable" the board's independent members had responded "in the proper manner and with the requisite speed".

He urged staff to come forward to share any concerns they may have and said he would "keep an open mind" as to allowing contributions from any former employees who had recently left S4C.

If allegations of bullying were proved, he said he would be willing to take "necessary steps".

According to the letter, S4C chief executive Siân Doyle said that "the term bullying is shared too easily"

The union letter was shared via an anonymous email with the BBC-produced news programme Newyddion S4C.

It noted that staff have shared experiences with union representatives of "being ignored, belittled, undermined, or patronised by members of the management team".

It also gave examples of management team members acting inappropriately and disrespectfully towards other staff, and when they raised legitimate questions, they received aggressive and confrontational behaviour from management team members.

The letter also detailed that the situation had been fragile for some time, with the union aware of complaints since last November.

In a meeting with the chief executive Sian Doyle, the union official said she recognised "things had been difficult, and that managers were at fault for the way people felt", but according to the letter, she also said "the term 'bullying' is thrown about too easily".

Bectu said it was reassured by the prompt and unequivocal response it has received from the S4C Unitary Board - made up of non-executive members who do not work for the channel, and executive members on the S4C management team - regarding its members' complaints.

"We are pleased they have agreed to appoint an independent investigator, whom we look forward to working with," it said.

"As a union we are committed to stamping out bullying and harassment wherever it occurs and we are here to support."

Welsh Conservative culture spokesman Tom Giffard said the allegations were "deeply concerning", and for the "wider impact on the reputation of our Welsh language broadcaster".

He welcomed the appointment of the legal firm to investigate, adding: "It is essential that staff at all levels come forward at this time to share their experiences and that S4C engages fully with the investigation".