Cookie Policy

Last Updated: 13th June 2025

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.

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

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

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

12. Useful Resources

For more information about cookies and privacy:

• ICO Cookies Guidance
• All About Cookies
• Google Analytics Cookies