Cookies are small files that are placed on your computer by websites as you surf them. These cookies can store lots of information which can have privacy implications. We like to think all the cookies used on this site are fairly innocuous, but that’s for you to judge. We also make use of temporary “Session Cookies” to determine if you have logged into the password-protected areas of our website. These only exist while your web browser is open and are wiped as soon as you close the window.
Anonymous Tracking Software
We use Google Analytics (as is common industry practice), a service provided by Google. They gather anonymous data on how people are using this site and then provide us with visitor statistics, details of page views etc. You can think of it as being a bit like CCTV but one that automatically blurs your face, so we can review your activity without knowing who you are.
3rd Party Website Widgets
We also embed some page elements from trusted third parties so that we can provide you with features like Interactive Maps, Like Buttons and Videos. Collectively, they make our website more interesting to you as a site visitor. However, most of these come with their own cookies.
They are:
Since we do not control these cookies, we cannot guarantee what they do. But we are confident that they value your privacy just as much as we do. In many cases, the cookies are used to generate identical information to Google Analytics (see above) and indeed use Google Analytics, so opting-out of Google Analytics will also opt you out of these cookies too.
You can opt-out of Google Analytics and other Google services here – http://tools.google.com/dlpage/gaoptout and https://www.google.com/dashboard/
You can control how Facebook tracks your behaviour online here.
You can control how Twitter handles your personal information here.
You can opt-out of ShareThis tracking here.
Opting Out
While we would love to offer a cookie-free version of our site, we simply do not have the resources to provide and maintain one. Unfortunately, if you are really anti-cookie, there is no option except to not use our site.
3rd Party Opt-Outs
You can opt-out of Google Analytics and other Google services here – http://tools.google.com/dlpage/gaoptout and https://www.google.com/dashboard/
You can control how Facebook tracks your behaviour online here.
You can control how Twitter handles your personal information here.
You can opt-out of ShareThis tracking here.
You can remove any cookies we have already placed on your machine within your browser settings — pressing Ctrl+Shift+Delete may work in many cases.
Data Storage
You may have your personal/contact information removed from our databases by emailing us on [email address of your Data Protection Officer] and we will remove your contact information within 48 hours.
Anonymous Tracking Software
If you are anti-Google, you can opt-out of being tracked by Google Analytics at http://tools.google.com/dlpage/gaoptout (we’d prefer you didn’t though, as this data is seriously helpful to us in improving our website).
Browser Specific Opt-Outs
You can set or amend your web browser controls to accept or refuse cookies. If you choose to reject cookies, you can still browse our website however your access to some functionality & areas of our site may be restricted. As the means by which you can refuse cookies through your web browser controls vary from browser-to-browser, you should visit your browser’s help menu for more information.
Changes to This Policy
Over time there will be changes in our Cookie usage, so please check back on this statement sporadically to stay up to date and review any amendments.