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Cookie Policy

  1. Introduction
    1. Our website uses cookies.
    2. By using our website and agreeing to this policy, you consent to our use of cookies in accordance with the terms of this policy.
    3. This policy was last updated on 24th May 2018
  2. About cookies
    1. A cookie is a file containing an identifier (a string of letters and numbers) that is sent by a web server to a web browser and is stored by the browser. The identifier is then sent back to the server each time the browser requests a page from the server.
    2. Cookies may be either "persistent" cookies or "session" cookies: a persistent cookie will be stored by a web browser and will remain valid until its set expiry date, unless deleted by the user before the expiry date; a session cookie, on the other hand, will expire at the end of the user session, when the web browser is closed.
    3. Cookies do not typically contain any information that personally identifies a user, but personal information that we store about you may be linked to the information stored in and obtained from cookies.
    4. Cookies can be used by web servers to identify and track users as they navigate different pages on a website and identify users returning to a website.
    5. More information can be found at www.aboutcookies.org
  3. Cookies that we use
    1. We use cookies to provide personalisation features on this website. The relevant cookies are:
      CookieExpirationDescription
      consent30 DaysThis is used to hide the cookie notice if you have dismissed it.
      googtransEnd of browsing sessionThis is used to transfer the selected translation between pages.
      pcfontsize-sizeEnd of browsing sessionThis is used to transfer the selected font size between pages.
      pcthemes-themeEnd of browsing sessionThis is used to transfer the selected contrast theme between pages.
  4. Cookies used by our service providers
    1. Our service providers use cookies and those cookies may be stored on your computer when you visit our website.
    2. We use Google Analytics to analyse the use of our website. Google Analytics gathers information about website use by means of cookies. The information gathered relating to our website is used to create reports about the use of our website. Google's privacy policy is available at www.google.com/policies/privacy/. The relevant cookies are:
      CookieExpirationDescription
      _ga2 yearsUsed to distinguish users.
      _gat10 minutesUsed to throttle request rate.
      __utma2 years from set/updateUsed to distinguish users and sessions. The cookie is updated every time data is sent to Google Analytics.
      __utmt10 minutesUsed to throttle request rate.
      __utmb30 mins from set/updateUsed to determine new sessions/visits. The cookie is updated every time data is sent to Google Analytics.
      __utmz6 months from set/updateStores the traffic source or campaign that explains how the user reached the site. The cookie is updated every time data is sent to Google Analytics.
      __utmv2 years from set/updateUsed to store visitor-level custom variable data. The cookie is updated every time data is sent to Google Analytics.
      __utmx18 monthsUsed to determine a user’s inclusion in an experiment.
      __utmxx18 monthsUsed to determine the expiry of experiments a user has been included in.
      _gaexpDepends on the length of the experiment but typically 90 days.Used to determine a user’s inclusion in an experiment and the expiry of experiments a user has been included in.
  5. Blocking & deleting cookies
    1. Most browsers allow you to refuse to accept cookies; for example:
      1. in Internet Explorer, you can delete and manage cookies by following instructions at support.microsoft.com/en-us/help/17442/windows-internet-explorer-delete-manage-cookies
      2. in Firefox, you can delete and manage cookies by following instructions at support.mozilla.org/en-US/kb/cookies-information-websites-store-on-your-computer
      3. in Chrome, you can delete and manage cookies by following instructions at support.google.com/chrome/answer/95647
      4. in Opera, you can delete and manage cookies by following instructions at www.opera.com/help/tutorials/security/privacy
      5. in Edge, you can delete and manage cookies by following instructions here at privacy.microsoft.com/en-us/windows-10-microsoft-edge-and-privacy
    2. Blocking all cookies will have a negative impact upon the usability of many websites.
    3. If you block cookies, you will not be able to use all the features on our website.
  6. Our details
    1. This website is owned and operated by GMB Scottish Security Branch.
    2. You can contact us:
      1. Using our website contact form, here.
  7. Data protection responsible individual
    1. Our data protection responsible individual is our Data Protection Officer, who may be contacted via any means detailed above.