Terms & Conditions
Terms and Conditions
Last Updated: 1 June 2025
About These Terms
These terms and conditions ("Terms") govern your use of the Institute for Cheese & Dairy website, services, and programmes. By accessing our website or engaging with our services, you agree to be bound by these Terms.
The Institute for Cheese & Dairy ("ICD," "we," "us," or "our") is a professional organisation dedicated to advancing the global cheese and dairy industry through education, networking, and industry intelligence.
Who We Are
Legal Entity: Institute for Cheese & Dairy
Registered Address: 2 Princes Square, Harrogate HG1 1LX
Contact: info@instituteforcheesedairy.com
Our Services
Membership and Partnership Programmes
We offer various levels of membership and partnership, each with specific benefits, obligations, and fee structures as detailed in our partnership agreements.
Educational Services
We provide training, certification, and educational content through our own programmes and partnerships with organisations such as the Academy of Cheese.
Industry Intelligence
We publish research, market analysis, and industry reports including The Dairy Mail newsletter and our Annual Industry Report.
Events and Networking
We organise conferences, awards ceremonies, networking events, and facilitate industry connections.
Creator Platform
Our digital platform connects dairy brands with production partners (launching Q1 2026).
Website Use
Permitted Use
You may use our website for legitimate business purposes related to the dairy and cheese industry. You must not:
- Use the website for any unlawful purpose
- Attempt to gain unauthorised access to our systems
- Reproduce, distribute, or commercially exploit our content without permission
- Post offensive, defamatory, or inappropriate content
- Interfere with other users' access to the website
User Accounts
Some services require account registration. You're responsible for:
- Maintaining the confidentiality of your login credentials
- All activities that occur under your account
- Notifying us immediately of any unauthorised use
Content Accuracy
While we strive to ensure information accuracy, we cannot guarantee that all website content is complete, current, or error-free. Industry information, market data, and regulatory guidance are provided for general information purposes and should not replace professional advice.
Intellectual Property
Our Content
All content on our website, including text, graphics, logos, images, publications, and software, is our property or licensed to us and is protected by copyright, trademark, and other intellectual property laws.
Limited Licence
We grant you a limited, non-exclusive, non-transferable licence to access and use our website and content for personal or business purposes related to the dairy industry.
User-Generated Content
By submitting content to our website or platforms, you grant us a worldwide, royalty-free licence to use, reproduce, and distribute that content for our business purposes.
Trademarks
"Institute for Cheese & Dairy," "ICD," "The Dairy Mail," "Creator Platform," and related marks are our trademarks. Unauthorised use is prohibited.
Partnership and Membership Terms
Partnership Agreements
Specific partnership levels (Founding, Gold, Silver, Bronze) are governed by separate partnership agreements that supplement these Terms.
Fees and Payment
- Partnership fees are as specified in your partnership agreement
- Fees are typically annual and payable in advance
- We reserve the right to adjust fees with reasonable notice
- Refunds are generally not provided except in exceptional circumstances
Benefits and Obligations
Partnership benefits include access to events, publications, networking opportunities, and other services as detailed in your specific agreement.
Term and Termination
- Partnerships typically run for one-year terms with automatic renewal
- Either party may terminate with appropriate notice as specified in the partnership agreement
- We may terminate immediately for breach of terms or inappropriate conduct
Events and Services
Event Registration
Event registrations are subject to availability and specific event terms. Fees are generally non-refundable unless an event is cancelled by us.
Cancellation Policy
If we must cancel an event, we'll provide reasonable notice and offer refunds or credits towards future events.
Behaviour Standards
Event attendees must maintain professional standards of conduct. We reserve the right to remove individuals who disrupt events or behave inappropriately.
Photography and Recording
Events may be photographed or recorded for promotional purposes. By attending, you consent to such use unless you specifically opt out.
Creator Platform Terms
Platform Purpose
The Creator Platform facilitates connections between dairy brands and production partners. We act as a facilitator, not a guarantor of any resulting business relationships.
User Responsibilities
Platform users must:
- Provide accurate information about their capabilities and requirements
- Comply with all applicable food safety and business regulations
- Maintain appropriate insurance and certifications
- Handle their own contract negotiations and legal arrangements
Platform Limitations
We don't guarantee:
- Successful matches between brands and producers
- The quality, safety, or compliance of any production arrangements
- The commercial success of any partnerships formed
Fees and Commission
Platform access and success-based commissions are as detailed in the Creator Platform agreement.
Privacy and Data Protection
Data Collection
We collect and process personal data in accordance with our Privacy Policy and applicable data protection laws, including UK GDPR.
Marketing Communications
We may send you industry updates, event invitations, and promotional materials. You can unsubscribe at any time.
Business Data
Information shared through our platforms may be used for industry analysis and research, but individual business data remains confidential unless consent is given.
Disclaimers and Limitations
Service Availability
We aim to maintain website and service availability but cannot guarantee uninterrupted access. We may suspend services for maintenance or updates.
Industry Information
Market intelligence, regulatory guidance, and industry analysis are provided for general information. They don't constitute professional advice and shouldn't be relied upon for specific business decisions without consulting appropriate experts.
Third-Party Content
We may include links to third-party websites or reference external content. We're not responsible for third-party content, services, or policies.
Educational Content
Training and educational materials are designed to enhance knowledge but don't guarantee specific outcomes or business success.
Liability Limitations
Limitation of Liability
To the maximum extent permitted by law, our liability for any claims arising from your use of our services is limited to the fees you've paid to us in the 12 months preceding the claim.
Excluded Damages
We're not liable for:
- Indirect, special, or consequential damages
- Loss of profits, data, or business opportunities
- Business interruption or reputational damage
- Claims arising from relationships formed through our platform
Legal Exceptions
Nothing in these Terms excludes or limits our liability for:
- Death or personal injury caused by our negligence
- Fraud or fraudulent misrepresentation
- Any other liability that cannot be excluded by law
Indemnification
You agree to indemnify and hold us harmless from any claims, damages, or expenses arising from:
- Your use of our services in breach of these Terms
- Your violation of any law or third-party rights
- Content you submit to our platforms
- Business relationships formed through our services
Governing Law and Disputes
Governing Law
These Terms are governed by English law and subject to the exclusive jurisdiction of English courts.
Dispute Resolution
We encourage resolving disputes through direct discussion. For formal disputes, we prefer mediation before litigation.
Severability
If any part of these Terms is found unenforceable, the remainder continues in full force and effect.
Changes to Terms
Updates
We may update these Terms periodically to reflect changes in our services, legal requirements, or business practices.
Notice
We'll provide reasonable notice of material changes through our website, email, or other appropriate channels.
Continued Use
Your continued use of our services after changes take effect constitutes acceptance of the updated Terms.
General Provisions
Entire Agreement
These Terms, together with our Privacy Policy and any specific partnership agreements, constitute the entire agreement between us.
Assignment
We may assign these Terms or our rights and obligations. You may not assign your rights without our written consent.
Waiver
Our failure to enforce any provision doesn't waive our right to enforce it later.
Force Majeure
We're not liable for delays or failures due to circumstances beyond our reasonable control, including natural disasters, government actions, or technical failures.
Contact Information
For questions about these Terms:
General Inquiries:
Email: info@instituteforcheesedairy.com
Legal Matters:
Email: legal@instituteforcheesedairy.com
Data Protection:
Email: privacy@instituteforcheesedairy.com
Partnership Issues:
Email: partnerships@instituteforcheesedairy.com
Specific Service Terms
The Dairy Mail Newsletter
- Subscription may include promotional content from partners
- We reserve the right to moderate user-generated content
- Unsubscribe options are always available
ICDA Awards and Events
- Entry criteria and judging processes are at our discretion
- Awards and recognition don't constitute endorsement for commercial purposes
- Specific event terms apply to each gathering
Annual Industry Report
- Information is compiled from various sources and represents our analysis
- Commercial use requires separate licensing arrangement
- Citations and methodology are available upon request
Training and Certification
- Certificates represent completion of our programmes, not professional qualifications
- Continuing education may be required to maintain certifications
- Partner organisations may have additional requirements
Effective Date: 1 June 2025
Version: 1.0
These Terms and Conditions reflect our commitment to clear, fair business relationships while protecting both our organisation and our community members. We're always happy to discuss any questions or concerns about these terms.
Institute for Cheese & Dairy
Where dairy excellence meets future thinking