# Cookie Policy

Last Updated: 19th May 2026

This Cookie Policy explains how UK Data Services ("we", "our", or "us") uses cookies and similar technologies on our website. This policy should be read alongside our [Privacy Policy](privacy-policy).

## 1. What Are Cookies?

Cookies are small text files that are placed on your device when you visit a website. They are widely used to make websites work more efficiently and to provide information to website owners about user behaviour.

### Types of Cookies

- **Essential Cookies:** Necessary for the website to function properly
- **Performance Cookies:** Help us understand how visitors interact with our website
- **Functional Cookies:** Remember your preferences and personalise your experience
- **Marketing Cookies:** Track visitors across websites to display relevant advertisements

## 2. How We Use Cookies

We use cookies for the following purposes:

- To ensure our website functions correctly
- To remember your preferences and settings
- To analyse website performance and user behaviour
- To improve user experience and website functionality
- To provide relevant content and services

## 3. Cookies We Use

| Cookie Name | Purpose | Type | Duration |
| --- | --- | --- | --- |
| \_session | Maintains user session and form data | Essential | Session |
| \_preferences | Remembers user preferences and settings | Functional | 1 year |
| \_analytics | Google Analytics for website performance | Performance | 2 years |
| \_consent | Records cookie consent preferences | Essential | 1 year |

## 4. Third-Party Cookies

We may use third-party services that set their own cookies:

### Google Analytics

- Helps us understand website usage patterns
- Provides insights into user behaviour and preferences
- Data is anonymised and aggregated
- More information: [Google Privacy Policy](https://policies.google.com/privacy)

### Google Fonts

- Delivers web fonts for consistent design
- May collect basic usage statistics
- No personal data collected directly

## 5. Managing Your Cookie Preferences

### Browser Settings

You can control cookies through your browser settings:

- **Accept all cookies:** Normal website functionality
- **Block all cookies:** May limit website functionality
- **Block third-party cookies:** Allows essential cookies only
- **Delete existing cookies:** Removes previously stored cookies

### Browser-Specific Instructions

- **Chrome:** Settings > Privacy and Security > Cookies and other site data
- **Firefox:** Settings > Privacy & Security > Cookies and Site Data
- **Safari:** Preferences > Privacy > Manage Website Data
- **Edge:** Settings > Cookies and site permissions

## 6. Cookie Consent

### Your Choices

When you first visit our website, you'll see a cookie consent banner allowing you to:

- Accept all cookies
- Accept only essential cookies
- Customise your cookie preferences
- Learn more about our cookie usage

### Withdrawing Consent

You can change your cookie preferences at any time by:

- Using the cookie preference centre (if available)
- Clearing your browser cookies
- Contacting us directly

## 7. Impact of Blocking Cookies

If you choose to block cookies, you may experience:

- Reduced website functionality
- Need to re-enter information repeatedly
- Inability to access certain features
- Less personalised experience

### Essential Cookies

Some cookies are essential for website operation and cannot be disabled:

- Security and authentication
- Form submission and data processing
- Load balancing and performance
- Legal compliance tracking

## 8. Mobile Apps and Devices

This policy covers our website. Mobile apps may use similar technologies:

- Device identifiers and analytics
- Push notification preferences
- App usage and performance data
- Location services (if permitted)

## 9. Data Protection Rights

Under GDPR and UK data protection law, you have rights regarding cookie data:

- **Right to be informed:** This policy provides that information
- **Right of access:** Request details of cookie data we hold
- **Right to rectification:** Correct inaccurate data
- **Right to erasure:** Request deletion of cookie data
- **Right to object:** Object to certain types of processing

## 10. Updates to This Policy

We may update this Cookie Policy to reflect:

- Changes in cookie usage
- New features or functionality
- Legal or regulatory requirements
- Best practice recommendations

We'll notify you of significant changes through our website or by email.

## 11. Contact Us

If you have questions about our use of cookies:

**UK Data Services**  
Email: [privacy@ukdataservices.co.uk](mailto:privacy@ukdataservices.co.uk)  
Address: United Kingdom

For data protection matters, contact our Data Protection Officer at [dpo@ukdataservices.co.uk](mailto:dpo@ukdataservices.co.uk)

## 12. Useful Resources

For more information about cookies and privacy:

- [ICO Cookies Guidance](https://ico.org.uk/for-the-public/online/cookies/)
- [All About Cookies](https://www.allaboutcookies.org/)
- [Google Analytics Cookies](https://support.google.com/analytics/answer/181881)

---
Source: https://ukdataservices.co.uk/cookie-policy