We use different types of cookies on this website, or which may be used by third parties through our website. This policy explains more about which cookies we use, why we use them, and the functionality you will lose if you decide you don\’t want to have them on your device.
What is a cookie?
Cookies are text files containing small amounts of information which are downloaded to your personal computer, mobile or other device when you visit a website. Cookies are then sent back to the originating website on each subsequent visit, or to another website that recognises that cookie. Cookies are useful because they allow a website to recognise a user\’s device.
How long are cookies stored for?
Persistent cookies – these cookies remain on a user\’s device for the period of time specified in the cookie. They are activated each time that the user visits the website that created that particular cookie.
Session cookies – these cookies allow website operators to link the actions of a user during a browser session. A browser session starts when a user opens the browser window and finishes when they close the browser window. Session cookies are created temporarily. Once you close the browser, all session cookies are deleted.
Cookies do lots of different jobs, like letting you navigate between pages efficiently, remembering your preferences, and generally improve the user experience.
You can find more information about cookies at All About Cookies and Your Online Choices.
Cookies used on the website
Here are all the different types of cookies we use on this site:
Strictly necessary cookies
These cookies enable services you have specifically asked for. These cookies are essential in order to enable you to move around the website and use its features, such as accessing secure areas of the website via a login.
Performance cookies
These cookies collect anonymous information on the pages visited. By using the website, you agree that we can place these types of cookies on your device.
These cookies collect information about how visitors use the website, for instance which pages visitors go to most often, and if they get error messages from web pages. These cookies don\’t collect information that identifies a visitor. All information these cookies collect is aggregated and therefore anonymous. It is only used to improve how the website works.
Measuring website usage (Google Analytics)
We use Google Analytics software (Universal Analytics) to collect information about how you use this website. We do this to help make sure the site is meeting the needs of its users and to help us make improvements, for example improving site search.
Google Analytics stores information about:
- the pages you visit
- how long you spend on each page
- how you got to the site
- what you click on while you’re visiting the site
We do not collect or store your personal information (for example your name or address) so this information can’t be used to identify who you are.
Google stores information on servers in the USA. Google may transfer this information to third parties where required to do so by law, or where such third parties process the information on Google\’s behalf. Google will not associate your IP address with any other data held by Google.
Data collected and stored by Google is anonymous and does not contain any personal data or identify you. By using this website, you consent to the processing of data about you by Google in the manner and for the purposes set out above.
Information on how to reject or delete Google cookies can be found here. Please note other websites to which this website may be linked, may also make use of their own cookies.
Google Analytics sets the following cookies.
| Name | Purpose | Expires |
| _ga | This helps us count how many people visit the website by tracking if you’ve visited before | 2 years |
| _gid | This helps us count how many people visit the website by tracking if you’ve visited before | 24 hours |
| _gat | Used to manage the rate at which page view requests are made | 10 minutes |
YouTube videos
We use YouTube to provide videos on some pages of the website. YouTube sets cookies when you visit one of these pages.
| Name | Purpose | Expires |
| _use_hitbox | This is a randomly generated number that identifies your browser | When you close your browser |
| VISITOR_INFO1_LIVE | Lets Youtube count the views of embedded Youtube videos | 9 months |
Functionality cookies
These cookies remember choices you make to improve your experience. By using the website, you agree that we can place these types of cookies on your device.
These cookies allow the website to remember choices you make (such as your user name, language or the region you are in) and provide enhanced, more personal features. These cookies can also be used to remember changes you have made to text size, fonts and other parts of web pages that you can customise. They may also be used to provide services you have asked for such as watching a video or commenting on a blog. The information these cookies collect may be anonymised and they cannot track your browsing activity on other websites.
Third party cookies
These cookies allow third parties to track the success of their application or customise the application for you. Because of how cookies work we cannot access these cookies, nor can the third parties access the data in cookies used on our site.
For example, if you choose to ‘share’ content through Twitter or other social networks you might be sent cookies from these websites. We don\’t control the setting of these cookies, so please check those websites for more information about their cookies and how to manage them.
