Cookie policy

In view of the importance of data privacy, and our obligations of transparency, we provide information below about cookies, how we use them on our website and what options you have if, despite the benefits they bring, you prefer to disable them. We shall assume you are happy to accept the cookies that we use on our website if you do not disable or opt out of them as described below.

What are cookies?

Cookies are small text files which are commonly downloaded to your computer or mobile device by websites that you visit. They enable the website to tag your device and recognize it as you move around the site (and potentially when you return at a later date) so that, for example you do not have to re-enter your password each time you move between pages of the website.

When trying to understand cookies, and how to control them, it can help to know some terminology:

  • Cookies installed on your device by the organization running the website you are visiting are known as “first party” cookies. · Cookies installed on your device via the website you are visiting by another organization are termed “third party” cookies. An example is a cookie set by a specialist website analytics company that provides the website owner with data on the numbers of people visiting its website. · So-called “persistent cookies” remain on your device even after you close your internet browser. They are activated each time you visit the website that created that particular cookie. For example, where a “persistent cookie” is used on a website to remember your log-in details, you will not need to enter those details each time you visit that website. · Session cookies, by contrast, are temporary and are typically used to enable the website to operate, e.g. by permitting a user to move from page to page without having to log in again. Once you close your browser, all session cookies are deleted. · “Flash cookies” are installed by websites that contain media (for example video clips) which function with Adobe Flash software. They speed up content download and can also store information, such as recording that your device has accessed the content.

What cookies do we use?

To enhance user experience, this website uses cookies for the purposes described below.

Website functionality

Cookies that are essential for our website to function technically or which provide a service or option that you have requested. For example, a cookie that “remembers” your authentication details so you can remain logged into secure internet banking facilities, or a cookie that remembers the country or language you have selected.

Interest-based targeting cookies

In order to be able to provide you with the most relevant information about our products and services, we use cookies to be aware of which content you have viewed on our website.

Social media cookies

Where we enable you to share content from our website via social media channels like Facebook or Twitter, they may install a cookie on your device. For more information about this, you should refer to the privacy policy of the relevant organisation.

How to control cookies

As explained above, cookies help you to get the most out of our website. If you decide to disable cookies, you may find that certain aspects of our website do not work as expected.

Aside from any specific opt-outs we have provided above, if you do not wish to receive cookies you can set your web browser to disable cookies. Note that most browsers offer different levels of privacy, such as allowing first party cookies but blocking third party cookies, or notifying you each time a website wants to install a cookie. Be aware that disabling cookies in this way will prevent new cookies from being set, but will not stop previously set cookies from operating on your device unless you delete all cookies in your browser settings. The instructions for managing cookies in your browser can usually be found via the browser’s Help function or in a smartphone manual.

You can find further general information about cookies and how to control them on the following third party website: www.aboutcookies.org