Terms of Service

1. The Placement Relationship

YPEC provides introduction and placement services connecting private households ("Families") with independent culinary professionals ("Chefs"). By using our platform, both Families and Chefs agree that:

• Chefs are independent contractors, not employees of YPEC or the Family (unless separately contracted).
• YPEC is not a party to any service agreement between a Family and a Chef.
• YPEC earns placement and introduction fees for facilitating connections.
• Ongoing service terms, compensation, and scheduling are arranged directly between the Family and the Chef.

2. Chef Requirements

YPEC places professional-grade culinary talent in private households. Admission to the YPEC network is selective. Chefs must meet the following standards:

Culinary Credentials (one or more required):

• Red Seal Certification (Interprovincial Standards Program — Cook Trade, Canada)
• ACF Certification — CPC (Certified Pastry Culinarian), CEC (Certified Executive Chef), or CMC (Certified Master Chef)
• Le Cordon Bleu Grand Diplôme or equivalent accredited culinary institute credential
• Culinary Institute of America (CIA) degree or diploma
• WSET Level 3 or above (for chefs specializing in estate dining with beverage pairing)
• Minimum 5 years verifiable experience in private household, estate, yacht, or luxury hospitality service

Professional Requirements:

• Proof of personal liability insurance (minimum $2M coverage)
• Current criminal background check (within 12 months)
• Valid business license or contractor registration
• Professional references from prior private household or estate placements
• Signed YPEC Network Agreement and Non-Disclosure Agreement

Admission is at YPEC's sole discretion. Meeting minimum requirements does not guarantee acceptance into the network.

3. Family Responsibilities

Families engaging Chefs through YPEC agree to:

• Provide a safe working environment compliant with applicable health and safety standards.
• Honour agreed compensation and scheduling terms with their Chef.
• Maintain the confidentiality of their Chef's personal information.
• Direct all billing disputes through YPEC within 14 days of service.

4. Placement Fees

YPEC charges placement fees for successful introductions. These fees are outlined in your service agreement and are non-refundable once an introduction has been made and accepted by both parties. Annual and ongoing service fees, where applicable, are billed per your selected membership tier.

5. Confidentiality & Discretion

YPEC serves high-net-worth households. Confidentiality is non-negotiable. Both Chefs and Families agree not to disclose the identity, household details, dietary information, schedules, or any personal information of the other party to any third party without written consent. Breach of this provision may result in immediate termination of services and legal action.

6. Limitation of Liability

YPEC is an introduction service. We are not responsible for the quality, safety, or outcome of culinary services provided by independent Chefs. Families assume responsibility for verifying chef credentials and maintaining appropriate household insurance. YPEC's total liability shall not exceed the placement fees paid in the immediately preceding 12 months.

7. Insurance

YPEC strongly recommends that Families confirm their household insurance covers third-party service providers working in the home. Chefs are required to maintain their own liability insurance. YPEC carries general business liability insurance but this does not extend to cover services rendered by independent contractors.

8. Termination of Services

Either party may terminate a placement with written notice per the terms of their individual service agreement. YPEC reserves the right to remove any Chef or Family from the network for breach of these Terms, conduct unbecoming of the YPEC standard, or any behaviour that compromises the safety or reputation of the network.

9. Governing Law

These Terms are governed by the laws of the Province of British Columbia, Canada, and the applicable federal laws of Canada. Any disputes shall be resolved in the courts of British Columbia.

10. Changes to These Terms

YPEC reserves the right to update these Terms at any time. Continued use of our services after notification of changes constitutes acceptance of the updated Terms. Material changes will be communicated via email to registered members.

11. Contact

For questions regarding these Terms, please contact us at hello@yourprivateestatechef.com or through our contact page.