Privacy Policy – The Chef’s Circle

Last updated: 4 February 2026

The Chef’s Circle (“we”, “us”, “our”) is committed to protecting your privacy and handling your personal data responsibly. This Privacy Policy explains how we collect, use, store, share, and protect your personal information when you visit or use www.chefscircle.co.uk (the “Website”).

This policy is written in accordance with the UK General Data Protection Regulation (UK GDPR) and the Data Protection Act 2018.

1. Who We Are (Data Controller)

The Chef’s Circle is operate by Andrew Longford
Email: [email protected]
Address: 51 Gwynne Road, Poole, Dorset, United Kingdom

We are the data controller for all personal data processed via this Website.

2. Personal Data We Collect

We collect personal data in the following ways:

a) Information You Provide Directly

Name, email address, and contact details
Account registration details (username, profile information)
Content you submit (posts, comments, images, messages, job listings)
Job applications or enquiries (where job board features are used)
Mailing list sign-ups and preferences
Communications sent to us (email, forms, support requests)

b) Information Collected Automatically

IP address
Device type, operating system, browser type
Pages visited, time spent on pages, interactions
Referral sources
Cookie identifiers and advertising data

c) Information from Third Parties

Social platforms (e.g. Meta/Facebook embeds or integrations)
Advertising and analytics partners
Job and recruitment integrations (current or future)

3. How We Use Your Data

We use your personal data to:

Operate and manage The Chef’s Circle platform
Provide user accounts, community features, and job board services
Publish and moderate user-generated content
Respond to enquiries and provide support
Send email communications and newsletters (where consent is given)
Deliver personalised and non-personalised advertising
Measure performance and improve the Website
Protect users, prevent abuse, and maintain security
Comply with legal and regulatory obligations

4. Lawful Bases for Processing

We process personal data under one or more of the following lawful bases:

Consent – for marketing emails, optional cookies, and tracking
Contract – where data is needed to provide services you request
Legitimate Interests – to operate, improve, secure, and monetise the platform
Legal Obligation – where required by law

5. Cookies, Analytics & Tracking Technologies

We use cookies and similar technologies across the Website.

Types of Cookies Used:

Essential cookies – required for site functionality and security
Analytics cookies – to understand usage and improve performance
Advertising cookies – to deliver and measure ads
Functional cookies – to remember preferences and settings

Services We Use:

Google Analytics – tracks visitor behaviour and usage patterns
Meta (Facebook) Pixel – measures ad performance and builds audiences
Google AdSense & ad partners – displays relevant advertisements
Embedded content providers – may set their own cookies

You can manage or withdraw cookie consent via your browser settings or our cookie banner (where enabled).

6. Advertising & Monetisation

We use third-party advertising services, including Google AdSense, which may use cookies, web beacons, or similar technologies to show relevant ads.

These providers may collect:

IP address
Device and browser information
Interaction with ads
Interests inferred from browsing behaviour

You can control ad personalisation through Google’s Ad Settings and your browser preferences.

7. User Accounts & Community Content

If you create an account:

Your profile information may be publicly visible depending on settings
Content you post may be viewed, shared, or indexed by search engines
We reserve the right to moderate or remove content that breaches site rules

User content remains your responsibility. Do not upload content you do not have the right to share.

8. Job Board Features

Where job board or recruitment features are used:

Employers may submit job listings and contact details
Users may submit applications or expressions of interest
Data may be shared between relevant parties for recruitment purposes

We are not responsible for how third-party employers process applicant data once shared.

9. Email Marketing

If you subscribe to our mailing list:

We will send updates, announcements, or promotional content
You may unsubscribe at any time using the link in our emails
We do not sell mailing list data

Email services may track opens and clicks to improve communication quality.

10. Data Sharing

We do not sell your personal data.

We may share data with trusted third parties such as:

Hosting and infrastructure providers
Analytics and advertising platforms
Email service providers
Security and anti-spam services
Recruitment or job board tools

All providers are required to protect your data and process it lawfully.

11. International Data Transfers

Some services may store or process data outside the UK. Where this occurs, appropriate safeguards are in place to ensure compliance with UK data protection laws.

12. Data Security

We use appropriate technical and organisational measures to protect your data. However, no online system is completely secure, and you use the Website at your own risk.

13. Data Retention

We retain personal data only for as long as necessary:

Account data: for the duration of account activity
Marketing data: until consent is withdrawn
Logs and security data: for limited operational periods
Legal records: as required by law

14. Your Rights

You have the right to:

Access your personal data
Request correction or deletion
Restrict or object to processing
Withdraw consent at any time
Request data portability (where applicable)

To exercise your rights, contact [email protected].

You may also lodge a complaint with the Information Commissioner’s Office (ICO).

15. Children’s Data

The Website is not intended for children under 13. We do not knowingly collect personal data from children.

16. Third-Party Links & Embedded Content

The Website may include links or embedded content from third parties. These services may collect data independently. We are not responsible for their privacy practices.