Privacy Policy

Unichef, The National Chefs Union CIC
Last updated: 29 June 2026

Unichef, The National Chefs Union CIC respects the privacy of its members and supporters. We only collect and use personal information where it is necessary for the proper administration of membership, member support, representation, communication and the lawful operation of the organisation.

Information we may hold

We may hold basic personal information such as your name, address, email address, telephone number, membership status, payment status, employer details, job role, correspondence with us and any documents or information you provide when asking for advice, support or representation.

Where you ask us for help with a workplace matter, the information you provide may include sensitive personal information, such as health information, disability information, disciplinary or grievance material, employment records, or details connected to a workplace dispute. We will only use this information where it is necessary to advise, assist or represent you, and access will be limited to those who need it.

How we use your information

We use your information to:

• manage your membership;
• communicate with you about your membership, rights, services and Unichef matters;
• provide advice, support or representation where requested;
• keep appropriate records of member cases and decisions;
• comply with legal, financial, regulatory or governance obligations;
• protect the legitimate interests of Unichef and its members.

We do not sell member data. We do not use your personal information for unrelated commercial marketing.

Our lawful basis

We process personal information under the UK GDPR where it is necessary for one or more of the following reasons:

• Contract — to administer your membership and provide membership services.
• Legitimate Interests — to communicate with members, manage the organisation, provide updates and protect Unichef’s interests, provided this does not override your rights.
• Legal Obligation — where we must keep records or comply with legal, financial or regulatory duties.
• Consent or Legal Claims — where sensitive information is provided for advice, representation or a workplace matter.

Communications

Unichef may contact members about membership, subscriptions, representation, meetings, policy updates, member notices, newsletters and other matters connected with Unichef’s work.

You may opt out of non-essential newsletters or general updates by contacting us at admin@thechefsunion.co.uk. However, we may still need to contact you about essential membership, payment, legal, casework or governance matters.

Sharing your information

We will only share your information where necessary and appropriate. This may include sharing information with professional advisers, representatives, IT and email service providers, payment processors, regulators, courts, tribunals, ACAS, employers or other relevant parties where this is required for a member matter or lawful purpose.

We will not share sensitive case information with an employer or third party without a proper reason, and normally only with your knowledge or consent unless legally required.

How long we keep information

We keep personal information only for as long as necessary. Membership records and case records may be retained after membership ends where needed for legal, financial, governance, insurance or dispute purposes. When information is no longer required, it will be deleted or securely destroyed.

AI

Unichef may use secure digital and AI-assisted tools to help prepare correspondence, organise case information and provide member support. Where such tools are used, we will minimise or anonymise personal information wherever possible. We will not knowingly use AI tools to make automated decisions about your membership, rights, representation or case outcome.

SMS and Encrypted messages

Unichef may communicate with members by email, telephone, WhatsApp, Messenger or other digital communication channels where appropriate. These channels may be used for initial contact, updates and practical case communication. Where a matter involves sensitive employment, health, disciplinary, grievance or legal information, Unichef will take reasonable steps to minimise the personal information shared through messaging platforms and will transfer important case information to its official records. Members should avoid sending unnecessary sensitive documents through social media messaging where a more secure method is available.

Your rights

You have rights under data protection law, including the right to request access to your personal information, ask for inaccurate information to be corrected, object to certain uses of your information, request restriction of processing, or request deletion where applicable.

To make a request, contact us at:

admin@thechefsunion.co.uk

You also have the right to complain to the Information Commissioner’s Office if you believe your data has not been handled correctly.

Contact

For any privacy or data protection query, please contact:

Unichef, The National Chefs Union CIC
Email: admin@thechefsunion.co.uk