HCC staff letter raises concerns about leadership and culture

Welsh red meat promotion body Hybu Cig Cymru (HCC) is facing further criticism after current and former employees released a scathing letter accusing its leadership of fostering a toxic workplace culture and mishandling serious bullying allegations.

The letter, which has been released anonymously, raises concerns about HCC’s handling of a recent bullying investigation and accuses its board of “cherry-picking” some of the recommendations from an independent report.

The controversy stems from a bullying investigation conducted by an external consultant at a cost of more than £15,000.

See also: ‘Toxic culture’ allegations rock HCC amid staff exodus

In the letter, former and current staff members allege that the board selectively implemented findings from the investigation, “ignoring the outcome where three out of the five counts of behaviour deemed to fall under bullying and harassment were upheld”. The individual involved is said to be still in their role.

The letter also claims that workplace grievances, including high staff turnover, have been ignored or misrepresented, with some staff leaving for roles that represent demotions rather than promotions, contrary to public comments made by HCC chairwoman Catherine Smith.

The issue gained public attention following a documentary on the Welsh language channel S4C which aired on 25 November.

The programme highlighted systemic workplace issues, revealing that six formal complaints had been lodged against one individual. Employees detailed an environment of fear, with some saying they felt unsafe at work.

Despite this, Ms Smith dismissed the documentary as “inaccurate”, prompting accusations in the letter from current and former HCC employees that she had breached the Nolan principles, a set of standards that public office-holders are expected to follow.

Ms Smith defended her actions in an interview included in the programme, stating that the organisation followed due process and implemented recommendations to improve workplace harmony.

Tories seek review

Following publication of the staff letter, James Evans, the Conservative shadow rural affairs minister in the Welsh assembly, issued a statement saying his concerns had grown regarding a “toxic culture” at HCC.

He called for a Welsh government investigation into the body, which supports the red meat industry – a sector valued at more than £1bn to Wales.

“It’s time to return this body to the industry itself, with leadership elected by farmers and processors,” Mr Evans said.

Plaid Cymru MS Llŷr Gruffydd also argues that a leadership overhaul is necessary for the organisation to regain trust and move forward effectively.

However, the Welsh government, which appoints HCC’s leadership, has expressed support for the body while pledging to monitor the situation closely.