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What are cookies?

Cookies are small text files that are downloaded and stored on your computer, tablet or smartphone by websites that you visit and allow a website to recognise a user's computer. These files are used to help the website work, provide information to the owners of the site or help users navigate the site more efficiently.

A cookie records your preferences when using a particular site, ensuring that you are not shown the same information and/or are only shown information you have stated that you are interested in. In order to use the site you agree to let cookies be saved as they are an important part of navigation of the site.

The following are examples of information we may collect:

  • Information about your device browser and operating system
  • Your internet protocol (IP) address assigned to your internet service
  • The web pages you visit on our websites
  • Any embedded links you view

 

What cookies are used?

Strictly Necessary cookies

These cookies are necessary for the website to function and cannot be switched off in our systems. They are usually only set in response to actions made by you which amount to a request for services, such as setting your privacy preferences, logging in or filling in forms.

These cookies do not store any personally identifiable information. This cookie helps you complete areas of the site without having to re-enter information already provided.

Performance cookies

These cookies allow us to count visits and traffic sources so we can measure and improve the performance of our site. They help us know which pages are the most and least popular and see how visitors move around the site. All information these cookies collect is aggregated and therefore anonymous. We use Google Analytics to provide us with information about your visit to our website. We do this in order to help improve our website service to customers. Their cookies typically store anonymous aggregated information such as whether a visitor has been to the site before, and the time of the current visit.

Targeting cookies

We may use cookies, tracking pixels and similar technologies on our website to gather data about our visitors’ use of our website. We use this data to improve your experience of our website, to analyse the visitors’ use of the site and to provide you with relevant, interest-based marketing.

Functionality cookies

These allow a website to remember choices you have made in the past, such as your user name and password are so you can automatically log in.

 

How long do cookies last?

Session cookies are temporary cookies which remain on your device whilst you are on our website. They are automatically deleted when you leave the website or close your browser or

Persistent cookies remain on your computer either until they reach a pre-set expiry date, or you choose to remove them.



What to keep in mind and some useful information

 

Some of the cookies we use are essential for parts of the website to operate and have already been set. You may delete and block all cookies from this website, but please be aware that restricting or deleting cookies may impact on the functionality of the website. You will not be able to use some of the online services we offer, for example it would be possible to manage your accounts online or to apply for an account online. You can change your cookie preferences by clicking here.

 

Multiple users: if more than one person uses your device, the choices set up by other people will apply to you as well unless you change them. For example, if you share a computer with your family, you may see ads based on sites they have visited as well as sites you have visited.

 

Cookies with more than one use: some of our cookies collect data for more than one use. We will only use these cookies for their essential purposes unless you have given your consent to any other uses they have.

 

Cookies that are already on your device: turning off one or more types of cookies will not delete any that have been downloaded in the past. We may still use data we collected up to that point, but will stop collecting new data.

 

Managing cookies in your web browser: if you want to change your cookie settings, you will need to change the cookie settings in your web browser. Each web browser is different, and you can find out how to do this in your browser's help section. Alternatively, you can visit http://aboutcookies.org.uk/managing-cookies where you can find specific information about cookies and how to manage them to suit your preferences. However, please be aware that disabling cookies will make browsing our website much slower and may mean that some of our online services will not work.

 

This cookie policy was last updated on 02 May 2023.