1 What is a cookie?

A cookie is a small amount of data stored on a computer that contains information about the internet pages that have been viewed from that computer. They are commonplace on the internet and are used by websites to improve the user’s online experience by storing information about how the user navigated around and interacted with it. This information is then read by the website on the next occasion that the user visits. Cookies are sent automatically by websites as they are viewed, but to protect a user’s privacy, a computer will only permit a website to access the cookies it has sent, and not the cookies sent by other sites.

Furthermore, users can adjust the settings on their computer to restrict the number of cookies that it accepts or notify them each time a cookie is sent. This should improve privacy and security but will generally mean that certain personalized services cannot be provided, and it may therefore prevent the user from taking full advantage of a website’s features. For further information about cookies please visit www.aboutcookies.org

2. What sort of cookies do we use on our website?

We use the following cookies on our website: Google Analytics: These cookies are used to collect information about how visitors use our site. We use the information to compile reports and to help us improve the site. The cookies collect information in an anonymous form, including the number of visitors to the site, where visitors have come to the site from and the pages they visited.  A full list of the cookies in use can be viewed via the cookie consent tool.  

3. How do we use cookies?

They gather information regarding the visitors to our website on our behalf using cookies, allowing us to understand the amount of traffic to the website and whether they are returning visitors. We do not pass any information to a third party.

4. Can I browse your website without receiving any cookies?

Yes, if you have set your computer to reject cookies, you can still browse the website. However, certain functions may not be available to you unless you enable cookies.

5. How can I find and control cookies?

When you first visit our website (www.oakgrovepsychology.co.uk) you will be asked to choose which cookies (if any) you consent to be stored on your device.  The cookie consent tool will remember your choices the next time you visit our site.  You can change your choice at any time.

You can usually adjust for yourself the number of cookies that your computer (or other device, such as a mobile phone) receives. How this is done, however, varies according to which device and what browser software you are using.

As a general rule, the more commonly used web browser software packages tend to have a drop-down menu entitled ‘Tools’. One of the options on this menu is usually ‘Options’ – and if this is selected, ‘Privacy’ is usually one of the settings that may be adjusted by the user. In the case of any device other than a PC (e.g., a mobile phone) you should always refer to the manufacturer’s instructions. Alternatively, you may wish to opt-out from only the cookies used by third-party companies (acting on our behalf) to measure the traffic to our site. This has the advantage of leaving other cookies in place, thereby minimizing the loss of functionality associated with blocking all cookies.

You may find the following websites useful for information on how to change cookie settings in a range of commonly used browsers: www.aboutcookies.org

Please note that we only use cookies for the purpose of enhancing your online experience and no personal data is collected from you through this process.