A “Cookie" is a file that contains small pieces of data. A cookie is stored on your computer's hard drive & this records how you move your way around a website, improving your browsing experience. Cookies can also be used to analyse website traffic & for advertising or marketing purposes.
Nearly all websites now use cookies & these do not harm your computer system.
You can choose not to accept cookies from this website but this will limit your browsing experience. If you do choose to accept cookies, you are agreeing to your data being used to improve your browsing experience. You can delete cookies & if you want to check or change what types of cookies you accept, this can usually be altered within your browser settings. You can block cookies any time in your browser settings, this allows you to refuse the setting of all or some cookies. If you choose to block all cookies (including essential cookies) you may not be able to access all or parts of this website.
How are cookies used?
Cookies are used to track your use of this website. They are used to understand how you use the site & track any patterns on how you are using the website. This helps to develop the website & improve where needed along with updated services in response to what you might need or want.
Cookies are either:
- Session cookies: During your browsing session these are stored on your computer & are automatically deleted when you close your browser. These cookies usually store an anonymous ID allowing you to browse a website without having to log in to each page & do not collect any personal data from your computer. - Persistent cookies: A persistent cookie is stored as a file on your computer & it remains there when you close your browser. When you revisit the website, this cookie can be read by the website that created it.
Cookies can also be categorised as follows:
- Strictly necessary cookies: These cookies cannot be turned off as they are essential to use the website effectively, such as when buying a product or service. Without these cookies, the services available to you on this website cannot be provided. These cookies do not gather any information about you so they cannot be used for marketing or remembering where you have been on the internet. - Performance cookies: These cookies enable us to monitor website traffic & improve the performance of the website. For example, these cookies are used to count visits, identify traffic sources & see which parts of the site are most popular. - Functionality cookies: The information these cookies collect is usually anonymous. They allow the website to remember choices you make & provide enhanced features. For example, by providing you with news or updates relevant to the services you use.