Cookie Policy

2. What cookies are
   A cookie is a small text file that a website stores on a user’s device (for example, computer, tablet, or mobile) when the user visits the website. Cookies may be set by us (“first‑party cookies”) or by third parties whose services are used on the Website (“third‑party cookies”).

Similar technologies such as pixels, tags and scripts may also be used. These can function like cookies (for example, by storing or accessing information on a device or by sharing information about a visit with a third party). References to “cookies” in this policy include these similar technologies where applicable.

3. Personal data and cookies (important correction)
   Cookies can involve the processing of personal data. For example, online identifiers (such as cookie IDs, device IDs, and IP addresses) and information about browsing activity may constitute personal data under UK data protection law, particularly when combined with other information.

Accordingly, where cookie use involves processing of personal data, that processing is addressed in our Privacy Notice and is carried out in accordance with applicable law.

4. Legal basis and consent (UK PECR / UK GDPR)
   Under the Privacy and Electronic Communications Regulations (“PECR”), consent is generally required for cookies that are not strictly necessary for the operation of the Website. This includes (among others) analytics and marketing/targeting cookies.

Accordingly:

• Strictly necessary cookies may be used without consent where required for the Website to function.
• Analytics and marketing/targeting cookies (including Facebook Pixel / Meta Pixel) are only set after the user has provided consent via our cookie banner/preferences tool.

Where personal data is processed through cookies, the lawful basis under UK GDPR will typically be:

• Consent (for analytics and marketing/targeting cookies), and/or
• Legitimate interests may apply in limited circumstances for strictly necessary cookies and essential security/fraud prevention, subject to applicable rules and transparency.

5. Types of cookies used on this Website
   Cookies used on the Website fall into the categories below. A current list of cookies in use (including providers, purposes and durations) is set out in Section 7.

5.1 Strictly necessary cookies
These cookies are required for the Website to operate and cannot be switched off in our systems. They are usually set in response to actions made by the user (for example, setting privacy preferences, logging in, completing forms, or security-related functions).

5.2 Analytics (performance) cookies
These cookies help measure how the Website is used (for example, pages visited, time on site, and how users navigate). This information helps improve Website performance and user experience.

5.3 Functionality (preferences) cookies
These cookies enable the Website to provide enhanced functionality and personalisation (for example, remembering preferences such as language or region).

5.4 Marketing/targeting cookies (including Meta/Facebook Pixel)
These cookies and pixels may be used to:

• measure the effectiveness of advertising;
• build audiences for advertising (including retargeting);
• deliver more relevant ads on third‑party platforms; and
• limit the number of times an advert is shown.

These cookies may track browsing activity across websites and devices (subject to user settings and platform capabilities) and typically involve third‑party providers.

6. Third-party cookies and controls
   Some cookies are set by third parties (for example, Google and Meta) when their tools are used on the Website. We do not control how third parties use the information they collect, and their processing is governed by their own privacy/cookie policies.

Relevant third‑party policies:

• Google:  https://policies.google.com/technologies/cookies?hl=en-GB
• Meta (Facebook): https://www.facebook.com/policies/cookies /and https://www.facebook.com/privacy/policy/

7. Cookie details
   The table below describes cookies typically used on the Website. This register is reviewed periodically and updated whenever cookies or vendors change (for example, after website releases, tag manager updates, or marketing tool changes).

7.1 Analytics cookies

• Provider: Google Analytics (Google)
• Cookie name(s): _ga (and depending on configuration also _ga_[container-id], _gid, _gat or equivalent)
• Purpose: Website analytics—distinguish users and measure usage patterns to improve the Website.
• Typical expiry: _ga up to 2 years; others may be shorter (often 24 hours to 1 minute), depending on configuration.
• Category: Analytics (requires consent)

7.2 Functionality cookies

• Provider: Google (in certain configurations)
• Cookie name: NID
• Purpose: Stores preferences and other information (for example, preferred language or region) where Google services are embedded/used.
• Typical expiry: Commonly up to 6 months (may vary).
• Category: Functionality (consent generally required unless strictly necessary for a user-requested function)

7.3 Marketing/targeting cookies (Meta/Facebook Pixel)

• Provider: Meta Platforms, Inc. (Facebook/Meta)
• Technology: Meta Pixel and associated cookies
• Cookie name(s): commonly _fbp and may include fr and other identifiers depending on implementation and user settings
• Purpose:
  • measure conversions and interactions with the Website;
  • create custom audiences for advertising and retargeting;
  • deliver and optimise ads on Meta platforms.
• Typical expiry: _fbp commonly up to 90 days; fr commonly shorter (may vary).
• Category: Marketing/targeting (requires consent)

8. How to manage cookies

8.1 Cookie preferences tool
Users can manage cookie choices at any time by using our cookie preferences tool. Just click on the cookie symbol. It is in the bottom right corner on most web browsers.

Users can withdraw consent at any time, and the change will apply going forward.

8.2 Browser settings
Users can also block or delete cookies using browser settings. Blocking all cookies may affect the functionality of the Website, and strictly necessary cookies may be required for certain features.

Helpful links for common browsers:

• Chrome: https://support.google.com/chrome/answer/95647
• Microsoft Edge: https://support.microsoft.com/help/4027947
• Safari: https://support.apple.com/guide/safari/manage-cookies-and-website-data-sfri11471/
• Firefox: https://support.mozilla.org/kb/enhanced-tracking-protection-firefox-desktop

8.3 Industry opt-out tools (where applicable)
Some third parties provide additional controls (for example, ad personalisation settings):

• Google Ads settings: https://adssettings.google.com/
• Meta ad preferences: https://www.facebook.com/adpreferences/

9. Do Not Track / Global Privacy Control
   The Website may not respond to “Do Not Track” signals from browsers. Where legally required and technically implemented, recognised consent signals may be honoured through our cookie preferences tool.
10. Changes to this Cookie Policy
    This Cookie Policy may be updated from time to time to reflect changes in technology, legal requirements, or our processing activities. The “Last updated” date at the top of this policy indicates when it was last revised.
11. Contact
    For queries about this Cookie Policy email info@hrjforemanlaws.co.uk