Cookie Policy

What are cookies?

Cookies are small text files that websites can place on your device when you visit a page. They allow a website to recognise a browser, remember certain choices and keep some features working from one visit to the next.

Some cookies last only while your browser is open. Others remain on your device for a set period or until you remove them.

How we use cookies

We may use cookies and similar website technologies for a small number of practical reasons.

• To keep essential website functions working.
• To remember selected website preferences.
• To maintain a smooth browsing experience.
• To understand how visitors use different pages.
• To identify areas where the website could be improved.
• To maintain the reliability and performance of the website.

We do not use cookies simply for the sake of collecting information. Each type of cookie has a particular purpose.

Types of cookies

The cookies used on a website can generally be grouped into the following categories.

Essential cookies

Some cookies are necessary for the website to operate as expected. They may support functions such as navigation, session management, security-related website functions and other features that you have requested.

Because these cookies are connected with basic website functionality, they may be used without a separate consent choice where applicable under UK rules.

Essential cookies are normally removed when the relevant browser session ends, although some may remain for a limited period where necessary for the feature they support.

Preference cookies

Preference cookies help the website remember choices you have made. This can make returning to the site a little easier and save you from repeatedly selecting the same options.

Where a preference cookie is not essential to the website, it will only be used where the appropriate permission has been provided.

Preference cookies are normally kept for no longer than 12 months before they expire or need to be renewed.

Analytics cookies

We may use analytics tools to understand general patterns of website use. This can tell us things such as which pages are useful to visitors, whether pages are working as expected and where improvements may be needed.

Analytics information is used to look at overall website activity rather than to build a personal profile of individual visitors.

Where analytics cookies require consent, they will not be placed until the relevant choice has been made.

Third-party technologies

Some features on our website may be provided with the help of external technology providers. Depending on the services currently active on the website, these providers may use their own cookies or similar technologies.

These technologies may support website functions, performance measurement, analytics or other features that are enabled on the site.

We do not control the cookie settings of independent third-party services. Where applicable, their own privacy and cookie information will explain how their technology works and how long their cookies remain active.

Changes to third-party services

The third-party services used by a website can change over time. If a new non-essential technology is introduced, the relevant consent choice will be provided where required.

Managing your cookie choices

You can control cookies in several ways. Your browser normally allows you to view, block or delete cookies through its privacy or settings controls.

How long cookies remain active

Cookie duration depends on what the cookie is designed to do. We keep cookie periods as short as reasonably practical for the relevant function.

• Session cookies normally expire when you close your browser.
• Preference cookies are normally retained for no more than 12 months.
• Analytics cookies are normally retained for no more than 12 months where such cookies are used.
• Cookie consent records may be retained for up to 24 months so that we can remember and manage your previous choice appropriately.

When a cookie reaches the end of its stated period, it expires or is removed and may need to be set again if you continue using the relevant website feature.

Changes to this Cookie Policy

We may make changes to this Cookie Policy when the website changes, when the technologies used on the website change, or when applicable requirements are updated.

If a change affects how optional cookies are used, we will update the relevant information and provide an appropriate choice where required.

The latest version of this policy will remain available on this website.