Appointment details

Sianel Pedwar Cymru (S4C) x2 Trustees

Summary

• Organisation: Sianel Pedwar Cymru (S4C)
• Sponsor department: Department for Culture, Media and Sport
• Location: Wales
• Sectors: Culture, Media & Sport
• Skills: Commercial, Technology / Digital, Legal
• Number of vacancies: 2
• Time commitment: 1 day per week
• Remuneration: £9,650 per annum
• Length of term: 4 Years
• Application deadline: 7pm on 6 March 2026

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Timeline for this appointment

1. Opening date

   2 February 2026

2. Application deadline

   7pm on 6 March 2026

3. Sifting date

   26 March 2026

4. Interviews expected to end on

   20 April 2026

Timeline dates are only an estimate and can change

About the appointment

Introduction

The Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport is seeking to appoint two new Non-Executive Members to the Board of Sianel Pedwar Cymru (S4C). 

The full role specification for this role is available in Welsh and is linked below. Candidates are invited to apply in English or in Welsh. 

Appointment description

Specific requirements of Non-Executive Members of the S4C Board

A non-executive member must act in an independent and objective manner, bringing expertise, scrutiny, and challenge to the work of the Board to support and contribute to the strategic direction and governance of the organisation.

The role of the non-executive member is to provide insight, expertise, and oversight without being involved in day-to-day operations. In doing so, they should provide constructive challenge, strategic guidance, offer expert advice and hold executive managers to account. They should also respect the insight and input of the executive members of the S4C Board, where they draw on their expertise from their positions in the Senior Leadership Team at Board meetings. 

Key responsibilities of non-executive members of the S4C Board include:

• Strategic Guidance: Collaborate with the Senior Leadership Team and fellow Board members in a non-executive way to develop and review the organisation's objectives, plans and strategic initiatives.
• Governance: Ensure that the organisation complies with all applicable laws, regulations, and corporate governance standards. Review and approve important corporate policies and procedures.
• Risk Management: Assess and monitor the organisation’s risk profile, including financial, operational, legal, and reputational risks. Provide input on risk mitigation strategies.
• Financial Supervision: Review and analyse financial statements, budgets, and key performance indicators to assess the organisation’s financial health and performance.
• Appointing and Succession Planning: Participate in the process of selecting and appointing a Chief Executive, Secretary, and senior executives. Contribute to succession planning for key leadership roles.
• Performance Evaluation: Participate in the evaluation of the performance of the Board (including the performance of all Board members individually), and the Senior Leadership Team.
• Stakeholder Relations: Engage with other stakeholders to address concerns and communicate the company's strategic direction and performance.
• Ethical and Responsible Conduct: Promote ethical behaviour and corporate social responsibility within the organisation. Maintain the highest standards of integrity and transparency.
• Conflict of Interest: Disclose any potential conflict of interest and abstain from voting and/or contributing to discussions on issues where a conflict may exist.
• Continuing Education: Stay abreast of industry trends, regulatory changes, and best practice in corporate governance through ongoing education and training.
• Attend any appropriate training organised for S4C Board members on a fairly regular basis.

A number of the above key responsibilities are carried out jointly with the executive members of the Board, with the support of the Secretary.

Organisation description

S4C

S4C (Sianel Pedwar Cymru – the Welsh Fourth Channel) is the UK’s only dedicated Welsh language public service broadcaster and media provider. S4C is a statutory corporation, originally established in 1982 and now regulated by the Communications Act 2003 and the Broadcasting Act 1990. It is operationally and editorially independent of the UK government. 

S4C provides high quality content and media services in the Welsh language, offering entertainment, information and inspiration, which aim to reach the widest audience possible across a range of contemporary platforms throughout Wales, the UK and beyond. 

It is the duty of S4C’s Board to ensure that S4C represents a public service for the dissemination of information, education and entertainment. The Board is responsible for ensuring that effective corporate governance and management arrangements, including financial management, are in place for S4C’s public and commercial services. The Board is also responsible for ensuring that the independence of S4C is safeguarded.

The S4C Board must have a detailed understanding of online and broadcasting developments, and of the key stakeholders in Wales. It must also take into account cultural and other initiatives when determining its strategy, including the sociolinguistic situation of the Welsh language. 

As a commissioner-broadcaster with a commitment to the independent production sector, S4C makes an important contribution to the creative economy in Wales. Independent research concluded that during 2024–25 S4C's economic contribution resulted in 2,500 jobs and generated £150m for the Welsh economy. S4C is one of the most cost-efficient public service broadcasters in the UK, with a cost per hour significantly lower than other broadcasters and its activities also generate tax revenues in excess of the money it receives.

Further information regarding S4C can be found in the Annual Report and Statement of Accounts: 

https://www.s4c.cymru/en/about-us/page/annual-reports

Board composition

S4C Composition and Board Membership

The S4C Board consists of the Chair, and up to eight other non-executive members, each appointed by the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport (DCMS). In addition, the Chief Executive of S4C and up to two other executive members are members of the Board. The executive members are appointed to the Board by the non-executive members.

The S4C Board as a whole appoints one of the non-executive members to serve as a Lead Independent Member.

Following the independent review of S4C published in March 2018, the governance of S4C is now based on a unitary board model (in place of the previous non-executive Authority).

There is no legal distinction between non-executive and executive members of the S4C Board – both categories are equally responsible and accountable for the organisation's long-term success.

All members bring diverse skills and experience to the Board, all of whom are expected to ensure that S4C fulfils its public service remit, and that public funds and licence fee funding allocated to S4C are used appropriately.

Board members are also required to ensure that S4C's public services are delivered in accordance with S4C's statutory remit and the provisions of the existing Partnership Agreement agreed between S4C and the BBC.

Among their duties, all S4C Board members are expected to do the following:

• Act collectively as a unitary board and provide support and advice, as well as scrutinise and hold individuals to account for the performance of S4C and its activities;
• Support the Chair, in conjunction with the Chief Executive, to oversee S4C's relationships with DCMS, the BBC, Ofcom and other stakeholders including the Welsh Government and the independent production sector;
• Undertake public engagement duties as necessary on behalf of S4C, including attending events and public meetings throughout Wales and beyond;
• Gain a thorough understanding of S4C's work as a public service broadcaster and media provider, and of the television and digital sectors in Wales, in the UK and in an international context; and
• Attend Board meetings and any special meetings / away days, and attend Board subcommittees as required, making reasonable and constructive contributions to discussions, and sharing their expertise as opportunities arise.

In carrying out these duties S4C Board members are expected to work in a positive, collaborative, cross-organisational way, which ensures a positive, energetic, and comprehensive working environment that treats everyone with respect, both living and promoting S4C’s values.

All members must comply with the Code of Conduct for Board members of Public Bodies, which includes acting in accordance with the Seven Principles of Public Life, and the S4C Culture Code.

The Board as a whole is supported in its work by the Secretary.

The Board is comprised of:

Delyth Evans - Chair of the Board

Suzy Davies

Guto Bebb

Denise Lewis Poulton

William 'Dyfrig' Davies

Dr Gwenllian Lansdown-Davies

Wyn Innes

Betsan Powys

Catryn Ramasut

Person specification

Essential criteria

The successful candidates for the Non-Executive Member roles must be able to demonstrate:

• Knowledge: a clear understanding of the work, priorities and challenges of S4C and public service broadcasting and public service media more generally, and the context within which it operates.
• Relationship building: ability to build strong stakeholder relationships, including with Ministers and Senior Government officials, with Local and Regional Government and external stakeholders such as the BBC and independent production companies.
• Communication: strong communication and interpersonal skills with the ability to listen, accept challenges and constructively challenge others in discussions with clarity and respect.
• Collaboration: ability to work closely with the other members of the Board and other key stakeholders, providing support, constructive challenge and assurance as appropriate.
• Equality: a demonstrable commitment to diversity, equality and inclusion; and improving opportunities for people throughout the UK.

Prior non-executive board experience is not essential, we welcome applications from individuals whose diverse professional backgrounds bring transferable skills and fresh perspectives.

We would particularly welcome applications from individuals with relevant experience in one of the

following areas:

• Digital Content Experience: a strong track record of delivery in broadcasting, digital media, the wider creative industries or another related field; within the private, public or voluntary sectors.
• Legal Expertise: Significant legal expertise, most likely gained at either a law firm or as an in-house counsel in a commercial, Government or non profit organisation.

The Board conducts most of its business in Welsh and the successful candidates will therefore be expected to demonstrate Welsh language proficiency, which will be tested at interview. Candidates will be required to answer at least one question in Welsh. S4C is able to provide some support to those who do not regularly use Welsh in a professional capacity.

Application and selection process

How to apply

In order to apply you will need to create an account or sign in.

Once you are logged into your account, click on 'apply for this role' and follow the on-screen instructions To apply, all candidates are required to provide:

• equality information
• information relating to any outside interests or reputational issues
• a Curriculum Vitae (CV)
• a supporting statement
• a short professional biography (150 words)

We will ask you to check and confirm your personal details to ensure your application is accurate.

You will also have the opportunity to make a reasonable adjustment request or apply under the disability confident scheme before you submit your application.

As part of your application, you will be asked to provide equality information including special category data (which may identify your race/ ethnic background or health); you have the choice to opt out from sharing any equality data, by selecting ‘prefer not to say’. We use your personal information and special category data for a wide range of purposes, to enable us to carry out our functions as a government department. 

• The data will be visible to departmental officials for the purpose of managing the Public Appointment Process for which you have applied. 
• Data will also be available to other individuals involved in the process including Government Ministers, Advisory Assessment Panel members and members of the Commissioner for Public Appointments team, and our IT providers. 
• To monitor the diversity and inclusivity of our processes, your special category data may be shared with the Advisory Assessment Panel that is responsible for sifting candidate CVs and interviewing candidates. 
• The Advisory Assessment Panel may use your special category data to help ensure Boards are representative of the United Kingdom. The data will help us understand the diversity of public appointees and to satisfy our public sector equality duty (PSED). You may opt out of this if you so wish by selecting “prefer not to say” for any or all categories, and your application will still be considered. You must opt out before the application deadline closes. 
• If you are offered an interview for a Public Appointment your data may be shared with the employees and Board Members of the Public Body for which you are applying, for the purposes of scheduling the interview, informing you of the outcome and providing feedback after the interview. 
• If you are successful in your application we will share your contact details with the Public Body so that staff can make arrangements for you to start your role. 

Overview of the application process

Public appointments are made on merit following a fair and open competition process which is conducted in accordance with the Governance Code for Public Appointments. We will deal with your application as quickly as possible and will keep you informed at key stages. We aim to conclude the appointment process within three months of the deadline for applications – this is in accordance with the Governance Code.

The assessment process

1. Ministers are responsible and accountable to Parliament for the public appointments made within their department. As a result, they must be consulted at every stage of the appointments process.

2. An Advisory Assessment Panel (“Panel”) is appointed by Ministers to assist them in their decision making. The role of the Panel is to decide, objectively, which candidates meet the eligibility criteria for the role.

3. At the shortlisting meeting the Panel will assess applications against the eligibility criteria and decide which candidates have best met the criteria, who should be recommended for interview. Ministers will then be consulted on the Panel’s recommended shortlist. If you have applied under the Disability Confident Scheme and you meet all the essential criteria, then you will also be invited for an interview.

4. Once the shortlist has been agreed by Ministers, you will be advised (by e-mail) whether you have been shortlisted. Those shortlisted will be invited to an interview.

5. The Panel will meet again to interview candidates and determine who is appointable to the role. The Panel may invite you to make a brief presentation at the start of the interview and will go on to question you about your skills and experience, including asking specific questions to assess whether you meet the criteria set out for the post. The Panel will also explore with you any potential conflicts of interest or any other issues arising from your personal and professional history which may impact on an appointment decision.

6. Details of the panel’s assessment of interviewed candidates are provided to Ministers, including whether they have judged a candidate to be appointable to the role. It is then for Ministers to determine merit and decide who should be appointed. In some circumstances, Ministers may choose not to appoint any candidates and re-run the competition.

7. Ministers may choose to meet with candidates before deciding the outcome. Candidates should therefore be prepared for a short time gap between interview and a final appointment decision being made. Candidates who have been interviewed will be kept informed of progress.

8. Once the decision on the appointment has been made, interviewed candidates will be advised of the outcome of their application, including whom they may approach for feedback. Successful candidates will be issued with their Terms & Conditions and a letter of appointment should they agree to take up the position.

Further information about appointments, including tips on applying, can be found on our guidance pages on gov.uk.

Advisory Assessment Panel (AAP)

DCMS Panel Chair - Jo Warner/Helen Martin Deputy Directors BBC policy 

Public Body Representation -  Delyth Evans, Chair of S4C 

IPM - Pippa Britton OBE - double Paralympian and Chair of Public Health Wales, Independent Panel Member.

Welsh Government representative -  Joedi Langley, Interim Head of Creative Wales 

Wales Office representative - Huw Bryer, Deputy Director, Constitution, Domestic Affairs and Regional Growth

The appointments process is regulated by the Commissioner for Public Appointments. Under the Code, any significant political activity undertaken by a panel member in the last five years must be declared. This is defined as including holding office, public speaking, making a recordable donation, or candidature for election. The Panel have confirmed they have no political activity to declare for the past five years.

Advisory Assessment Panels (AAP) are chosen by ministers to assist them in their decision-making. These include a departmental official and an independent member. For competitions recruiting non-executive members of a board (apart from the Chair), the panel will usually include a representative from the public body concerned.

AAPs perform a number of functions, including agreeing an assessment strategy with ministers, undertaking sifting, carrying out interviews in line with the advertised criteria and deciding objectively who meets the published selection criteria for the role before recommending to ministers which candidates they find appointable. It is then for the minister to decide who to appoint to the role.

Eligibility criteria

In general, you should have the right to work in the UK to be eligible to apply for a public appointment.

There are a small number of specialist roles that are not open to non-British citizens. Any nationality requirements will be specified in the vacancy details.

The Government expects all holders of public office to work to the highest personal and professional standards. 

You cannot be considered for a public appointment if:

• you are disqualified from acting as a company director  (under the Company Directors Disqualification Act 1986);

• have an unspent conviction on your criminal record;

• your estate has been sequestrated in Scotland or you enter into a debt arrangement programme under Part 1 of the Debt Arrangement and Attachment (Scotland) Act 2002 (asp 17) as the debtor or have, under Scots law, granted a trust deed for creditors.

When you apply, you should declare if:

• you are, or have been, bankrupt or you have made an arrangement with a creditor at any point, including the dates of this. 

• you are subject to a current police investigation.

You must inform the sponsor department if, during the application process, your circumstances change in respect of any of the above points. 

When you apply you should also declare any relevant interests, highlighting any that you think may call into question your ability to properly discharge the responsibilities of the role you are applying for. You should also declare any other matters which may mean you may not be able to meet the requirements of the Code of Conduct of Board Members (see Outside interests and reputational issues section below)

If you need further advice, please contact Victoria Watts at victoria.watts@dcms.gov.uk

Security clearance

The successful candidate will be required to undertake Baseline Personnel Security Standard checks in line with the Civil Service guidelines. Additional Security Clearance may also be required for certain roles. However, where this applies, candidates will be notified during the appointment process. Further information on National Security Vetting can be found on the Gov.uk website here.

Additional information for candidates

Equality and diversity

We encourage applications from talented individuals from all backgrounds and across the whole of the United Kingdom. Boards of public bodies are most effective when they reflect the diversity of views of the society they serve.

We collect data about applicants’ characteristics and backgrounds, including information about people’s educational and professional backgrounds, so that we can make sure we are attracting a broad range of people to these roles and that our selection processes are fair for everyone. Without this information, it makes it difficult to see if our outreach is working, if the application process is having an unfair impact on certain groups and whether changes are making a positive difference.

When you submit your application, your responses are collected by the Cabinet Office and the government department(s) managing your application. The data is used to produce management information about the diversity of applicants. You can select “prefer not to say” to any question you do not wish to answer. 

Disability confident

We are a member of the Government’s Disability Confident scheme. We use the Disability Confident scheme symbol, along with other like-minded employers, to show our commitment to good practice in employing people with a disability. The scheme helps recruit and retain disabled people. As part of implementing the scheme, we guarantee an interview for anyone with a disability whose application meets the essential criteria for the role, set out in the advert, and who has asked that their application is considered under the scheme. Indicating that you wish your application to be considered under the scheme will in no way prejudice your application. By ‘essential criteria', we mean that you must provide evidence which demonstrates that you meet the level of competence required under each of the essential criteria, as set out in the job-advert. When you apply you will have the opportunity to select if you would like your application considered under this scheme.

Reasonable adjustments

We are committed to making reasonable adjustments to make sure applicants with disabilities, physical or mental health conditions, or other needs are not substantially disadvantaged when applying for public appointments. This can include changing the recruitment process to enable people who wish to apply to do so.

Some examples of common changes are:

• ensuring that application forms are available in different or accessible formats;
• making adaptations to interview locations;
• allowing candidates to present their skills and experience in a different way;
• giving additional detailed information on the selection / interview process in advance to allow candidates time to prepare themselves;
• allowing support workers, for example sign language interpreters;
• making provision for support animals to attend.

When you apply you will have the opportunity to request reasonable adjustments to the application process.

Principles of public life

The Seven Principles of Public Life (also known as the Nolan Principles) apply to anyone who works as a public office-holder.

1. Selflessness

Holders of public office should act solely in terms of the public interest.

2. Integrity

Holders of public office must avoid placing themselves under any obligation to people or organisations that might try inappropriately to influence them in their work. They should not act or take decisions in order to gain financial or other material benefits for themselves, their family, or their friends. They must declare and resolve any interests and relationships.

3. Objectivity

Holders of public office must act and take decisions impartially, fairly and on merit, using the best evidence and without discrimination or bias.

4. Accountability

Holders of public office are accountable to the public for their decisions and actions and must submit themselves to the scrutiny necessary to ensure this.

5. Openness

Holders of public office should act and take decisions in an open and transparent manner. Information should not be withheld from the public unless there are clear and lawful reasons for so doing.

6. Honesty

Holders of public office should be truthful.

7. Leadership

Holders of public office should exhibit these principles in their own behaviour and treat others with respect. They should actively promote and robustly support the principles and challenge poor behaviour wherever it occurs.

Code of conduct for board members

The Government expects all holders of public office to work to the highest personal and professional standards. In support of this, all non-executive board members of UK public bodies must abide by the principles set out in the Code of Conduct for Board Members of Public Bodies. The Code sets out the standards expected from those who serve on the boards of UK public bodies and will form part of your terms and conditions of appointment.

Management of outside interests and consideration of reputational issues

Holders of public office are expected to adhere and uphold the Seven Principles of Public Life and the Code of Conduct for Board Members of Public Bodies. Before you apply you should consider carefully: 

• any outside interests that you may have, such as shares you may hold in a company providing services to government; 
• any possible reputational issues arising from your past actions or public statements that you have made; 
• and/or - any political roles you hold or political campaigns you have supported; 

which may call into question your ability to do the role you are applying for.

You will need to answer relevant questions in relation to these points when making an application. Many conflicts of interest can be satisfactorily resolved and declaring a potential conflict does not prevent you from being interviewed. If you are shortlisted for an interview, the panel will discuss any potential conflicts with you during that interview, including any proposals you may have to mitigate them and record that in their advice to ministers. Alongside your own declaration, we will conduct appropriate checks, as part of which we will consider anything in the public domain related to your conduct or professional capacity. This may include searches of previous public statements and social media, blogs or any other publicly available information. The successful candidate(s) may be required to give up any conflicting interests and their other business and financial interests may be published in line with organisational policies. 

Details of declared political activity will be published when the appointment is announced, as required by the Governance Code (political activity is not a bar to appointment, but must be declared).

Status of appointment

As this is an office holder appointment, you will not become a member of the Civil Service. You will not be subject to the provisions of employment law.

Appointment and tenure of office

Appointments are for the term set out in this advert, with the possibility of re-appointment for a further term, at the discretion of Ministers.  Any re-appointment is subject to satisfactory annual appraisals of performance during the first term in the post. There is no automatic presumption of reappointment; each case should be considered on its own merits, taking into account a number of factors including, but not restricted to, the diversity of the current board and its balance of skills and experience. In most cases, the total time served in post will not exceed more than two terms or ten years in any one post. 

Remuneration, allowances and abatement

Remuneration for this role is treated as employment income and will be subject to tax and National Insurance contributions, both of which will be deducted at source under PAYE before you are paid. 

You can claim reimbursement for reasonable travel and subsistence costs which are properly and necessarily incurred on official business, in line with the travel and subsistence policy and rates for the organisation to which you are applying. However these payments are taxable as earnings and will be subject to tax and national insurance, both of which will be deducted at source under PAYE before you are paid.  

Pension and redundancy

This is an office holder appointment and does not attract any benefits under any Civil Service Pension Scheme. You will not be eligible for redundancy pay as you are not an employee. No other arrangements have been made for compensation upon the end of your term of appointment because an office holder who is appointed for a limited duration would have no expectation of serving beyond that period.

Application feedback

We will notify you of the status of your application. We regret that we are only able to offer detailed feedback to candidates who have been unsuccessful at the interview stage.

How to complain

We aim to process all applications as quickly as possible and to treat all applicants with courtesy.

Please contact the Department for Culture, Media and Sport public appointments team in the first instance if you would like to make a complaint regarding your application at publicappointments@dcms.gov.uk. They will acknowledge your complaint upon receipt and respond within 15 working days.

Data protection

The Cabinet Office will use your data in line with our privacy policy. 

The Department for Culture, Media and Sport will use your data in line with our privacy policy. 

Contact details

For details about the Public Appointments process, please contact Victoria Watts at victoria.watts@dcms.gov.uk.

Attachments

• Code of Conduct for Board members of Public Bodies

• S4C 2x Members Digital and Legal

• S4C 2x Members Digital and Legal (Welsh)