Last updated: 16 December 2025

Website: thebeefadvocate.org

Data controller: The Beef Advocate Ltd

Registered office: 124 City Road EC1V 2NX London - UK

Email: info@thebeefadvocate.org

 

1. Overview

This Privacy Policy explains how we collect, use, store, and share personal data when you use our website or contact us, including in relation to the Global Meat Standard and the Certified Beef Programme.

 

2. Personal data we collect

We may collect:

    •    Identity and contact details: name, job title, company/restaurant name, email, phone number, country/city

    •    Enquiry and correspondence data: messages you send us, meeting notes, attachments

    •    Application data (if you apply): information you provide about your restaurant and relevant contacts, and documentation          necessary for review (which may include names, roles, and contact details of team members or suppliers)

    •    Technical data: IP address, browser type, device information, usage data, and analytics events (where enabled)

    •    Marketing preferences: whether you opt in or out of communications

 

We do not intentionally collect special category data (such as health data). Please avoid sending it unless explicitly requested.

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3. How we collect data

    •    when you fill in forms or contact us

    •    when you apply for certification or submit documentation

    •    through cookies and similar technologies (see Section 8)

    •    from third parties where necessary (for example, service providers who help operate the website), always subject to

         appropriate safeguards

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4. Why we use your data and lawful bases​

We use your data for:

    •    Responding to enquiries (lawful basis: legitimate interests)

    •    Operating the website and keeping it secure (legitimate interests)

    •    Processing certification applications and administering the Certified Beef Programme (performance of a contract or

         steps prior to entering a contract, and legitimate interests)

    •    Improving our services and website (legitimate interests, and consent where required for non-essential cookies)

    •    Sending updates you request such as newsletters or announcements (consent, and you can withdraw at any time)

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5. Sharing your data​

We may share your personal data with:

    •    Service providers (hosting, email, security, analytics) acting as processors under our instructions

    •    Professional advisers (legal, accounting) where necessary

    •    Independent experts/assessors where needed to support evidence-based review (shared on a need-to-know basis and

         subject to confidentiality expectations)

    •    Authorities where required by law or to protect rights, safety, and integrity

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We do not sell personal data.

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6. International transfers​

We may use service providers outside the UK. Where personal data is transferred internationally, we use appropriate safeguards (such as contractual protections) in line with applicable data protection law.

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7. Data retention

We keep personal data only as long as necessary:

    •    enquiries: typically up to 24 months after last contact

    •    certification applications and programme administration: typically for the life of the certification plus a reasonable period afterwards for audit, disputes, and integrity purposes (often up to 7 years), unless law requires otherwise

    •    marketing: until you unsubscribe or we review inactivity

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8. Cookies and similar technologies​

We use cookies and similar technologies to operate and improve the website.

    •    Essential cookies are necessary for the website to function and do not require consent.

    •    Non-essential cookies (such as analytics) are used only where you have given consent, and you can withdraw consent at

         any time by updating your preferences..

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If you do not use analytics/marketing cookies at all, you can remove this section’s “non-essential” parts and keep a simple statement about essential cookies.

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9. Your rights

Depending on your location and applicable law, you may have the right to:

    •    access your data

    •    correct inaccurate data

    •    request deletion

    •    restrict or object to processing

    •    withdraw consent (where we rely on consent)

    •    data portability (in certain cases)

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To exercise rights, contact info@thebeefadvocate.org.

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10. Complaints​

If you are not satisfied, you can complain to the UK Information Commissioner’s Office (ICO). We would appreciate the chance to address your concerns first.

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11. Security

We use reasonable technical and organisational measures to protect personal data. No method of transmission or storage is completely secure, but we work to maintain appropriate safeguards.

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12. Children​

This website is not intended for children, and we do not knowingly collect personal data from children.

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13. Changes to this policy​

We may update this Privacy Policy from time to time. The updated version will be posted on this page with a new “Last updated” date.

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14. Contact​

For privacy questions, contact info@thebeefadvocate.org.