Cookies Policy

What Are Cookies?

Cookies are small text files that are stored on your device (computer, tablet, or mobile) when you visit our website. They help us provide you with a better experience by remembering your preferences and understanding how you use our site.

How We Use Cookies

We use different types of cookies for various purposes. Under the UK Data (Use and Access) Act 2025, some cookies can be used without your explicit consent, while others require your permission.

Cookies We Use Without Consent

In accordance with the Data (Use and Access) Act 2025, we may use certain "low-risk" cookies without obtaining your prior consent. These include:

Strictly Necessary Cookies

These cookies are essential for our website to function properly and cannot be switched off. They include:

• Security cookies - Protect against fraud and ensure secure connections
• Authentication cookies - Remember that you're logged in during your session
• Session cookies - Maintain your shopping basket contents
• Load balancing cookies - Ensure the website functions efficiently

Statistical and Analytics Cookies

We use these cookies to collect anonymised information about how visitors use our website to help us improve our services:

• Traffic analysis - Understanding which pages are most popular
• Performance monitoring - Identifying technical issues and loading times
• Usage patterns - Seeing how visitors navigate through our site
• Error tracking - Detecting and fixing problems

Google Analytics 4 (GA4): We currently use Google Analytics 4 implemented on our website to collect statistical data about site usage, including page views, session duration, bounce rates, and user interactions. This data is processed in anonymised form and helps us understand how to improve our website performance and user experience.

These cookies collect data in aggregate form and cannot identify you personally.

Functional and Personalisation Cookies

These cookies enhance your experience by:

• Language preferences - Remembering your chosen language
• Accessibility settings - Maintaining your font size and contrast preferences
• Display preferences - Remembering how you prefer to view content
• Regional settings - Showing content relevant to your location
• Return visitor recognition - Streamlining your experience on repeat visits

Cookies That Require Your Consent

We do not currently use marketing, advertising, or third-party cookies on our website. All cookies we use fall under the consent-exempt categories described above.

For reference, cookies that would require consent include:

Marketing and Advertising Cookies (Not Used)

• Targeted advertising - Showing you relevant ads based on your interests
• Social media integration - Enabling sharing on social platforms
• Cross-site tracking - Following your activity across different websites
• Retargeting - Showing you ads for products you've viewed

Third-Party Cookies (Not Used)

• External analytics services (beyond basic statistics)
• Social media widgets
• Embedded content from other websites
• Customer service chat tools

Your Rights and Choices

Opt-Out Options

Even though we don't need consent for low-risk cookies, you still have the right to opt out:

Browser Settings: You can disable cookies through your browser settings. However, this may affect website functionality.

Email Us: Contact us at alison.stone@beyondblue.tech to opt out of specific cookie categories.

Managing Your Preferences

You can change your cookie preferences at any time by:

1. Adjusting your browser settings
2. Contacting our privacy team

Cookie Categories and Details

Session Cookies

• Purpose: Maintain your session while browsing
• Duration: Deleted when you close your browser
• Data: Session ID, temporary preferences

Persistent Cookies

• Purpose: Remember your preferences between visits
• Duration: 1 year
• Data: Language settings, display preferences

First-Party Cookies

• Purpose: Direct website functionality and analytics
• Set by: Our website domain
• Control: Managed through browser settings or by contacting us

Third-Party Cookies

• Purpose: External services and integrations (not currently used)
• Set by: Partner services (if used)
• Control: Would be managed through browser settings and direct contact

Data Protection and Privacy

We are committed to protecting your privacy:

• Anonymisation: Statistical cookies collect anonymous data only
• Data minimisation: We only collect necessary information
• Security: All cookie data is protected with appropriate security measures
• Retention: Cookies are automatically deleted after their specified duration

International Considerations

For EU Visitors: If you're visiting from the EU, we maintain GDPR compliance standards, which may require explicit consent for all non-essential cookies.

For Other Jurisdictions: We respect local privacy laws and may apply additional protections based on your location.

Changes to This Policy

We may update this cookie policy to reflect:

• Changes in legislation
• New cookie technologies
• Updates to our services
• Feedback from users

When we make significant changes, we will:

• Update the "Last Updated" date
• Notify you through our website banner
• Email registered users about important changes
• Provide a summary of key updates

Contact Information

Data Protection Questions:

• Email: alison.stone@beyondblue.tech
• Phone: +44 (0) 204 526 5549
• Address: 29 Braid Farm Road, Edinburgh, EH10 6LE

Complaints: If you're not satisfied with how we handle your cookie preferences, you can:

1. Contact our Data Protection Manager
2. File a complaint with the Information Commissioner's Office (ICO)

Regulatory Information

This policy complies with:

• UK Data (Use and Access) Act 2025
• UK General Data Protection Regulation (UK GDPR)
• Privacy and Electronic Communications Regulations (PECR)
• Data Protection Act 2018

ICO Registration: [Your ICO registration number if applicable]

Additional Information

For technical questions about cookies or to request cookie data, please contact our Operations Manager or Data Protection Manager.