What is a cookie?

Cookies are text files containing information downloaded to your PC, mobile or other device when you visit a website. They are then sent back to the originating website per visit or to another website that recognises that cookie; this allows a website to recognise a user's device.

Persistent cookies

These remain on a user's device for a time period specified in the cookie. They are activated each time the user visits the website that created that particular cookie.

Session cookies

These cookies allow website operators to link the actions of a user during a browser session. The session starts when a user opens the browser window and finishes when they close the browser window. Session cookies are created temporarily - once the browser is closed, all session cookies are deleted. Cookies do many different jobs, like navigating between pages efficiently, remembering your preferences, and improving the user experience. You can find more information about cookies at www.allaboutcookies.org and www.youronlinechoices.eu

Cookies used on the website

A list of the cookies used on the website by category is set out below.

Strictly necessary cookies

These cookies enable services you specifically ask for. For those types of cookies that are strictly necessary, no consent is required. These cookies are essential in order to enable you to move around the website and use its features, such as accessing secure areas. Without these cookies, the services you ask for cannot be provided.

Functionality cookies

These cookies remember choices you make to improve your experience.They allow the website to remember choices you made (such as your name or the region you're in) and provide enhanced, more personal features. These cookies can also be used to remember changes made to text size, fonts and other parts of web pages that can be customised. The information these cookies collect may not reveal the person's identity and they cannot track browsing activity on other websites.

Using browser settings to manage cookies

The help function on the menu bar of most browsers will inform you how to stop accepting new cookies, how they can notify you when you receive a new cookie and how to disable them altogether. Similar data can also be disabled or deleted as used by browser add-ons, such as Flash cookies, by changing the add-on's settings or visiting the website of its manufacturer.However, because cookies allow you to take advantage of some of the website's essential features they can be left enabled. For example, if you block or otherwise reject cookies you may not be able to use our products, services and other facilities. If you leave cookies turned on, remember to sign off when you finish using a shared computer.

Other websites

The website may contain links to other sites which are outside our control and not covered by this policy. Operators of these sites may collect information from you that will be used by them in accordance with their policy, which may differ from ours.