What are cookies?
Cookies are small text files that are used to save various kinds of information for the site you are visiting. This is usually so that it can remember certain things about you. There are 2 types of cookie which fall into 4 categories defined by ICC UK Cookie guide, which we've explained below. Of the 4 categories, our cookies currently only fall under 2 kinds. If you'd still like more information on cookies, please visit www.allaboutcookies.org.
Session Cookies
As their name suggests, session cookies last as long as your session does, meaning they disappear when you close your browser down. We use quite a few of these to make sure things run smoothly, such as keeping track of your preferences. They might sometimes remember your language currency or something similar, to ensure the system is a bit more user friendly.
Persistent Cookies
These kinds of cookies stay on your computer after you've closed your browser. We only use these in 2 cases. The first is when you accept the cookie notification, so that we don't spam you each time you use the system. The second case is if you click the remember me checkbox (if your system administrator has enabled it) so that you don't have to manually log in each time you visit the site. All other cookies on the site are session cookies.
Category 1 Cookies : Strictly Necessary
These cookies are essential in order to enable you to move around the website and use its features. Without these cookies services you have asked for cannot be provided. We make use of these kinds of cookie for the critical parts of the site.
Category 2 Cookies : Performance
This sort of cookie stores information about how you use the site, such as any errors you get, or what pages you visit most. These cookies don’t collect information that identifies you. All information these cookies collect is aggregated
and therefore anonymous. We don't currently use performance cookies, but we are looking at doing so, so that we can improve how the site works.
Category 3 Cookies : Functionality
A good proportion of our cookies fall under this category. They are used to remember your choices and preferences, they help to personalise the site for you, and as such, they don't fall under the essential category. They do not track
your browsing activity on other websites.
Category 4 Cookies : Advertising/Targeting
We don't use this category of cookie. These cookies are used to deliver personalised adverts. They may also be used to limit the number of times you see an advert or measure the effectiveness of a marketing campaign. They are usually placed by advertising networks with the website operator’s permission. They remember that you have visited a website and this information is shared with other organisations such as advertisers. Quite often targeting or advertising cookies will be linked to site functionality provided by another organisation.