Before becoming a Master of Cheese, new masters must sign this Code of Conduct. All masters are expected to behave to the highest professional and ethical standards to protect the Academy’s reputation and the integrity of the Cheese industry.

Why the Code Exists

Being able to use the Master of Cheese (MoC) title is a significant benefit. Because masters represent the Academy, their behaviour affects everyone. Actions that damage the Academy’s reputation can lead to removal of membership and the right to use the Master of Cheese (MoC) title.

Core Principles

  • Integrity: Masters must be honest, respectful, and act with honour.
  • Competence: Masters must work responsibly and professionally.
  • Respect: Masters must treat colleagues and everyone they encounter professionally and respectfully.

Use of MoC Name and Trademarks

Masters may use “Master of Cheese” and “MoC” only to show that they are masters. They must not suggest the Academy endorses their activities unless officially authorised.

Masters must not use MoC-related trademarks in business names, logos, or domain names without express permission.

Expected Behaviour

  • General conduct: Masters must follow the law and all Academy rules, acting to the highest ethical standards.
  • Sales & communication: Masters must communicate truthfully about cheese and avoid exaggeration or misleading claims, including in endorsements.
  • Cheesemaking: Masters must avoid practices that could harm the Academy’s reputation, even if those practices are legal.
  • Business behaviour: Masters must uphold high standards in all commercial dealings, even where local laws are less strict.
  • Use of influence: Masters must not discriminate, harass, intimidate, bully, or misuse their authority in any form.
  • Education: Masters involved in teaching or mentoring must not misuse their position and must support students’ learning.
  • Reputation management: Masters must avoid public statements that harm the Academy or other masters.
  • Responsibility for staff: Masters are responsible for the professional behaviour of people acting for them.
  • Confidentiality: Members must keep Academy-related information private when required.
  • Social media: Masters must not damage the Academy’s reputation online. The Academy may request removal of posts that breach the Code.
  • Representation: Only authorised individuals may speak on behalf of the Academy.

Master Declaration

Before joining, masters must confirm that they understand the Code, will follow it, and have disclosed anything that could harm the Academy’s reputation.

If the Directors of the Academy find a breach, it may not award or remove membership and the right to use the MoC title. The decision of the Directors of the Academy is final.