A GWENT chief executive told an employment tribunal she was bullied by directors and dismissed after she tried to recommend changes to the organisation.

Cardiff Employment Tribunal heard Helen Samways, from Maesycwmmer, was chief executive of the Gwent Hospitals Contributory Fund from January 2004.

The hearing, at which Mrs Samways is claiming unfair dismissal, was told she was dismissed for gross misconduct in March 2006.

It was said Mrs Samways was asked to write a business report into the future of the fund, which provides healthcare for members.

She was asked to provide the report by two directors, the tribunal heard, in the autumn 2005.

Representing her, Marcus Pilgerstorfer told the tribunal Mrs Samways' report uncovered compliance issues which would go against Financial Services Authority (FSA) regulations.

The tribunal heard Mrs Samways tried to raise the report to committee members and also organised an independent report looking at the matter further but, said Mr Pilgerstorfer, these were deemed inappropriate to be debated.

While questioning one committee member, Peter McKim, from Springfield Lane, Mr Pilgerstorfer suggested directors had not liked the contents of the report.

"I suggest it was a witch hunt," he said.

"Mrs Samways was doomed before you even started the investigation."

The tribunal heard that, after the report, allegations against Mrs Samways surfaced which became part of an investigation by directors, looked at by a sub-committee of three members.

Allegations included failure to attend a meeting with directors, failure to co-operate with auditors after queries surfaced about company credit card transactions, contacting the FSA "behind the back" of directors and making "inaccurate" statements in a grievance letter she sent to directors accusing them of bullying and being aggressive towards her.

Mr McKim was one of those accused of bullying. He was later absolved but another director was found to have been overly aggressive whilst she tried to present the report.

Mr Pilgerstorfer told the tribunal he believed she was going to be dismissed after raising compliance issues.

Earlier in the hearing he said "None of these allegations against Mrs Samways were brought up before the report."

Mrs Samways' report into the fund recommended changes to responsibilities of directors for the running of the fund.

Proceeding