Former S4C boss files personal injury claim against the channel

The former chief executive of S4C has filed a personal injury claim against her former employer at the High Court.

It comes after Sian Doyle was sacked from the publicly funded Welsh language broadcaster on November 2023 after being accused of being “dictatorial” and “creating a culture of fear”.

In a statement to BBC-produced Newyddion S4C, her lawyers said Ms Doyle had been subjected to a “truly extraordinary and inappropriate period of mistreatment” which “has seriously damaged her health and wellbeing”.

S4C and former chairman Rhodri Williams have declined to comment.

It has now been revealed that on February she filed a personal injury claim against S4C and has until 21 February to provide details of her alleged injury, as well as the compensation she is claiming.

Her lawyer, Paul Daniels, said they had no choice but to take action due to S4C and Rhodri Williams’ “prolonged” failure to accept their mediation offer and the unacceptable delays in responding to the claim letters.

According to Mr Daniels, the claims are for negligence [breach of the duty of care owed to our client], unlawful harassment, misfeasance in public office, breach of privacy rights, breach of confidence, and data protection breaches.

He added: “No-one should be treated in this way, whether a senior or a junior employee, by an organisation and a chairman that is legally required to act lawfully, fairly and in accordance with the Nolan Principles governing the conduct of public office.”

In a written statement, her husband Rob Doyle said: “I am deeply saddened by the traumatic impact that S4C and the former chairman’s treatment has had on Sian and my family.

“The distress and emotional harm she has suffered is devastating and is affecting every aspect of her wellbeing.

“This ongoing mistreatment has caused lasting harm and we are committed to obtaining full justice and accountability under UK law and the Nolan principles.”

S4C and former chairman Rhodri Williams declined to comment on the High Court claim.