A cookie is a small file downloaded on to a hard drive when the user accesses certain websites. Cookies are then sent back to originating websites on each subsequent visit. Cookies are useful because they allow a website to recognise a user’s device and provide a better user experience when you browse. Cookie can’t read data off your computer or damage your system.

We use the following cookies:

Strictly necessary cookies. These are required for the operation of our site. They include, for example, cookies that enable you to log into secure areas of our site.

Analytical/performance cookies. They allow us to recognise and count the number of visitors and to see how visitors move around our website when they are using it. This helps us to improve the way our website works, for example, by ensuring that users are finding what they are looking for easily.

Functionality cookies. These are used to recognise you when you return to our site. This enables us to personalise our content for you, greet you by name and remember your preferences (for example, your choice of language or region).

Targeting cookies. These record your visit to our site, the pages you have visited and the links you have followed. We will use this information to make our website and the advertising displayed on it more relevant to your interests. We also share this information with third parties for this purpose, such as Google and Facebook.

Blocking cookies

If you choose to block cookies some parts of this website may not operate. To block cookies please do this within your browser settings. Most browsers allow you to block cookies within their settings and we have provided links to the most commonly used browsers.

• Chrome
• Firefox
• Safari
• Internet Explorer

Our website also makes use of third-party cookies such as Facebook, Twitter, Brightcove and Flickr over which we have no control. These third-party services may also save cookies on your computer whilst you use our website. These cookies are likely to be analytical/performance cookies or targeting cookies.

You can change the settings of your browser and either refuse all cookies or choose to be alerted when a cookie is being sent to your computer. If you decide to refuse cookies, some parts of our website may not function.

To find out more about cookies and how to remove them from your computer, visit www.allaboutcookies.org