Effective Date: 4th November 2024

At Chef Staffing Solutions, we are committed to safeguarding your privacy. This Privacy Policy outlines how we collect, use, and protect your personal data when you interact with our website, services, or communicate with us. Please read this policy carefully to understand our practices regarding your personal information.

1. Who We Are

Chef Staffing Solutions (“we”, “us”, “our”) is a staffing agency specialising in the hospitality industry, providing temporary and permanent staffing solutions for chefs, kitchen assistants, baristas, and other hospitality roles. We are committed to protecting the privacy of our clients, candidates, and website visitors.

2. What Information We Collect

We collect various types of personal information depending on how you interact with us. The data we collect may include:

  • Personal Identification Information: Name, address, phone number, email address, and other contact details.
  • Professional Information: CVs, employment history, qualifications, references, and right-to-work documentation.
  • Financial Information: Bank account details for payroll purposes (for candidates) or payment processing (for clients).
  • Website Usage Data: IP address, browser type, operating system, pages visited, and other usage data collected via cookies.

3. How We Collect Your Information

We collect information in the following ways:

  • Directly from You: When you fill out forms on our website, apply for a job, register as a candidate, or communicate with us via email or phone.
  • Third Parties: We may receive information from third-party job boards, social media platforms, or references you provide.
  • Cookies and Tracking Technologies: We use cookies to enhance your browsing experience and analyse website traffic. For more details, see our Cookie Policy.

4. How We Use Your Information

We use your personal data for various purposes, including:

  • Providing Staffing Services: To match candidates with suitable job opportunities, manage placements, and communicate with clients and candidates.
  • Improving Our Services: To understand user behaviour, improve website functionality, and enhance customer experience.
  • Marketing Communications: With your consent, we may send you newsletters, promotional materials, and updates about our services.
  • Legal Compliance: To comply with legal obligations, such as right-to-work checks and tax regulations.
  • Security and Fraud Prevention: To protect against unauthorised access, fraud, and other illegal activities.

5. Legal Basis for Processing Your Data

We process your personal data based on the following legal grounds:

  • Consent: When you give us explicit permission to process your information.
  • Contractual Obligation: When processing is necessary to fulfil a contract, such as staffing agreements.
  • Legal Requirement: When we need to comply with legal obligations.
  • Legitimate Interest: For business purposes, such as improving our services, unless overridden by your rights and interests.

6. How We Protect Your Information

We take the security of your data seriously and implement the following measures:

  • Data Encryption: All sensitive data is encrypted during transmission.
  • Access Control: Only authorised personnel have access to your information.
  • Data Storage: Personal data is stored securely on our servers, with regular backups.
  • Regular Audits: We perform regular security audits to detect and prevent vulnerabilities.

7. Data Retention

We will retain your personal data only for as long as necessary to fulfil the purposes for which it was collected, or as required by law. This means:

  • Candidates: Personal information is retained for up to 24 months after your last engagement with us, unless you request deletion.
  • Clients: Business information is retained for the duration of our contract and for up to 7 years for tax and audit purposes.

8. Your Rights

You have the following rights regarding your personal data:

  • Right to Access: Request a copy of the personal data we hold about you.
  • Right to Rectification: Correct any inaccuracies in your personal data.
  • Right to Erasure: Request the deletion of your personal data, subject to legal requirements.
  • Right to Restrict Processing: Request that we limit how we use your data.
  • Right to Data Portability: Request a copy of your data in a structured, machine-readable format.
  • Right to Object: Object to the processing of your data for direct marketing or based on our legitimate interests.
  • Right to Withdraw Consent: Withdraw your consent at any time, without affecting the lawfulness of processing based on consent before its withdrawal.

To exercise any of these rights, please contact us at privacy@chefstaffingsolutions.co.uk.

9. Sharing Your Information

We do not sell or rent your personal data to third parties. However, we may share your data with:

  • Service Providers: Such as payroll processors, IT support, and marketing platforms, under strict confidentiality agreements.
  • Legal Authorities: If required by law or in response to valid requests from public authorities.
  • Clients: For candidates, we may share your details with potential employers as part of the recruitment process.

10. International Data Transfers

Your data may be transferred to, stored, or processed in countries outside the UK. In such cases, we ensure adequate safeguards are in place to protect your data, such as standard contractual clauses approved by the UK Information Commissioner’s Office (ICO).

11. Changes to This Privacy Policy

We may update this Privacy Policy from time to time. Any changes will be posted on this page, and significant updates will be communicated to you via email or through our website.

12. Contact Us

If you have any questions or concerns about this Privacy Policy or how we handle your personal data, please contact us:

  • Email: privacy@chefstaffingsolutions.co.uk
  • Phone: +44 1234 567890
  • Address: Chef Staffing Solutions, 123 Hospitality Lane, London, UK

Chef Staffing Solutions – Your Privacy, Our Priority