Cookies
What are cookies
Cookies are small, often encrypted text files, located in browser directories. They are used by web developers to help users navigate their websites efficiently and perform certain functions.
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Cookies are placed either temporarily or permanently on your computer by websites that you visit which collect and record information, including your IP address. Each time you visit one of our websites, your browser will send the cookie file back to the website's server on each subsequent visit unless your alter your browser settings.
Types of cookies
There are two types of cookies; first party cookies and third party cookies. First party cookies are set by us. Third party cookies are set by service providers on our behalf in order to provide a service to you; for example, if you visit a webpage with a Facebook feed of YouTube videos embedded in it you may notice cookies set by each of those websites too. We may collect some or all of the information available from cookies when you visit our website, depending on how you use it.
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The cookies set by Facebook (including when you visit our page on Facebook) are first party cookies; which means they are set by Facebook and if you are a Facebook user, you should visit Facebook's cookie policy on how to manage your cookie preferences.
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Cookies can be further categorised as session cookies and persistent cookies. If a cookie does not contain an expiration date, it is considered a session cookie. Session cookies are stored in memory temporarily and when the browser closes, the cookie is permanently lost. In contrast, persistent cookies are stored in a user's hard drive in accordance with an expiration date attached to the cookie, on the specified expiration date the cookie will be removed from your browser.
Categories of cookies we use
Strictly necessary cookies:
These cookies are needed in order for our website to function and they cannot be switched off. They're usually only set in response to you requesting a service such as setting your privacy preferences, filling in forms or searching for a cat; and without the cookies, the service cannot be provided to you. You can set your browser to block these cookies but some parts of our site will then not work as you would expect. These cookies do not store any information that could identify you and they are usually only set in response to an action (e.g. you filling in a form).
Performance cookies:
Performance cookies collect statistical information about the pages on our website which have been visited, how many visits they receive, how often and where visits come from. The cookie has no way of identifying you, it does not hold any of your personal data nor can it be used retrospectively to track you. These cookies help us to ensure we can develop our website to provide the content you need and would expect.
What information do we collect using cookies?
Examples of ways we may use cookies to record information include:-
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How you came to our website
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The type of device and browser you use
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Areas of the website you visit and engage with, and the amount of time you spend on the website
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Whether you have visited our website before or whether you are a new visitor
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The country, region, city associated with your IP address or device
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Any error messages that you receive on the site.
We may also measure the success of the emails we send or posts we share so that we can understand what subjects and stories people interact with the most.
Website cookie acceptance
By continuing to use our website, you consent to our use of cookies and those we use will be stored on your device unless you change your cookie preferences in your browser.
Our website may also contain hyperlinks to third party websites that are owned by other organisations. These websites have their own privacy policies, including policies on their use of cookies, and it is important that you read them as they will govern the use of any personal information you submit or which is collected by cookies whilst you browse that website. We cannot accept any responsibility or liability for the privacy practices of third party websites and your use of such websites is at your own risk.
Duration:
Depending on their function, Cookies may have different durations. There are session cookies and persistent cookies:
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Session cookies only last for your online session. It means that the browser deletes these cookies once you close your browser
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Persistent cookies stay on your device after the browser has been closed and last for the period of time specified in the cookie
How to disable cookies
You can manually disable and enable cookies on your computer or mobile device. The process will depend on your browser and is usually part of your 'Security settings'. However, if you disable cookies from your browser you will experience issues while trying to view or interact with our website as some features may not work.
Changes to this policy and further information
We may update our use of cookies, and this policy, at any time without notice so please check regularly to keep up to date. For further information about managing and disabling cookies, you can refer to your browser's help section or user guide. You can also find out more about cookies and how to disable them at www.allaboutcookies.org or www.aboutcookies.org.uk
