Cookie policy

1. What this policy covers

This Cookie Policy explains how we use cookies and similar technologies on our websites, what they are used for, and how you can control them.

This policy should be read alongside our Privacy Notice, which explains how we use personal information more broadly.

2. What cookies are

Cookies are small text files that are placed on your computer, phone, or tablet when you visit a website. They allow the website to recognise your device and store information about your visit.

Some cookies are set by us (these are known as first-party cookies). Others are set by third-party services that appear on our websites (known as third-party cookies).

Some third-party cookies may be set by services such as analytics providers, social media platforms, or other embedded content providers.

These third parties control their own cookies and related privacy practices, so their use of information is governed by their own policies. Where relevant, we will include details and links to those third-party policies in the cookie list.

3. Other tracking technologies

We may also use similar technologies such as pixels, tags, scripts, and web beacons. These tools can help us understand whether emails are opened, whether pages or content are viewed, and how people interact with our websites and communications.

Where these technologies are not strictly necessary, they are covered by the same consent controls as cookies and will only be used where the relevant consent has been given.

4. How we use cookies

We use cookies to:

• Make our websites work properly and securely

• Remember your preferences

• Understand how people use our websites so we can improve them

• Support our communications and campaigns, where appropriate

We only use optional cookies if you give your consent.

Strictly necessary cookies are used on the basis of the exemption under the Privacy and Electronic Communications Regulations (PECR), while all other cookies and similar technologies rely on your consent under PECR and, where personal data is involved, the UK GDPR.

5. Types of cookies we use

We categorise cookies as follows:

• Strictly necessary cookies

These are essential for the website to function. They enable core features such as security, accessibility, and page navigation. These cookies cannot be switched off.

• Functional cookies

These cookies remember choices you make (such as preferences or settings) and improve how the website works for you. These are only used if you consent.

• Analytics cookies

These cookies help us understand how visitors use our websites – for example, which pages are visited most often. The information we collect helps us improve the website. These are only used if you consent.

• Marketing and communications cookies

These cookies help us measure the effectiveness of our communications and, in some cases, tailor content to be more relevant. These are only used if you consent.

6. Cookie list

The table below explains the cookies used on our websites. You can use it to see what each cookie does, who provides it, and how long it lasts.

We aim to keep this list up to date as our website and services change.

7. Managing your cookie preferences

When you visit our websites, you are given the option to choose which optional cookies you are happy for us to use.

You can:

• Accept or reject optional cookies when you first visit

• Change your choices at any time using our cookie settings tool (available via the button in the bottom left corner of the website)

We will not set optional cookies unless you have actively consented.

If you choose to reject optional cookies, you will still be able to use the core features of our website and any strictly necessary cookies will continue to operate. However, we may be less able to understand how people use our websites, improve their performance and content based on that information, or provide more personalised content and communications where relevant.

8. Managing cookies through your browser

Most web browsers allow you to control cookies through their settings. You can usually:

• See what cookies are stored

• Delete cookies

• Block cookies altogether or for specific websites

Please note that blocking some cookies may affect how our website works.

9. Changes to this policy

We may update this Cookie Policy from time to time to reflect changes in the law or how we use cookies.

Any updates will be published on our websites and will apply from the date they are posted.

10. Contact us

If you have questions about this Cookie Policy or how we use cookies, please contact us using the details provided in our Privacy Policy.