Q: Who owns Unichef
A: Our chefs, that's right, every member of Unichef owns a unique part of this very special Union, you are a member for life, and your share in it remains until you resign.
Q: Can I sell my share
A: No, the share (stakeholding) is unique to you and cannot be transferred
Q: Who is the Head of Unichef
A: Our current Executive Director is Brian Mcelderry an experienced International Executive Chef and businessman.
Q: What does he do
A: The Executive is there to ensure that Unichef stays financially sound and adheres to the Constitution (bible) of its members.
Q: Who does he answer to
A: He is in charge of all day-to-day matters but answers to the Board of Directors, who are the Members' Representatives.
Q: Can Unichef help me with my work issues
A: Of course, we have experienced councillors who can support you or direct you to the appropriate support network.
Q: Can Unichef be with me at a disciplinary hearing
A: Unfortunately, no, but on most occasions (unless it is very serious), this isn’t needed or required as Union reps are normally there without involvement in the case. We can (if required) attend remotely, provided we have sufficient notice. As a case progresses, we may need to attend tribunals, court, and case meetings, but again, this is rare; most issues are resolved before these stages.
Q: Can Unichef represent me in a Tribunal
A: Absolutely, we work just like a normal Union in many respects, but with some important differences.
Q: What are the differences between Unichef and a “normal” Union
A: Unichef is 100% owned by its members, it’s totally independent and completely non-political, and it is solely for chefs; there is no other Union quite like it. It is a "Community Union," the very first of its type anywhere.
Q: What happens to the money members pay
A: All our funding and spending is tightly controlled and is overseen by the Board of Directors and the Government Ombudsman, who are the “eyes and ears” of the Members. Unichef is a “not for profit” organisation and its main aim is to inspire, support, educate, and give a voice to chefs in the UK. Most of the finance is spent on making sure we have a good core structure to our Union, that we always have sufficient funds to meet its expenses and obligations. Thereafter, the Directors have a say in how surplus funding (if any) can be spent on behalf of the members.
Q: What is a C.I.C
A: Unichef is a Community Interest Company, similar to a Charity but without the restraints of a charity, which allows us to work in the special way we do. It’s a mix between a charity and a business, run as a Social Project but managed as a Non non-profit making business.Unichef aims to educate and inspire our Chefs in a way no other Union can, whilst working together with partners and Employers in our industry to build a better, more supportive culinary community.
Q: How do I contact Unichef
A: Initial Contact is through our "contact section" on our website or you can message us on our dedicated WhatsApp number 07359 436285. Phone calls are NOT accepted and are by appointment only. Alternatively, you can contact us 24/7 at our email address admin@thechefsunion.co.uk
Q: How do I request support?
A: Simply contact us through our website contact section ( this is quicker). All requests are dealt with within 24hours and we will always reply to you.DO NOT send documents or lengthy statements at this stage; we only want the bare facts of your issue, so please be brief. DO NOT use AI-generated information. Set your notifications to respond to us quickly, and please follow our instructions carefully
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