Last updated: May 2026 | Next review: December 2026
This Cookies Policy explains what cookies are, which ones our website uses, and how you can control them. It should be read alongside our Privacy Policy.
1. What Are Cookies?
Cookies are small text files that are placed on your device (computer, phone or tablet) when you visit a website. They help the website remember your preferences and understand how you use it.
Some cookies are essential - the website cannot work properly without them. Others are optional and only used with your permission.
2. The Cookies We Use
Essential Cookies - always active, no consent needed
These cookies are necessary for the website to function. They cannot be switched off. They do not store any personally identifiable information.
Cookie Name & type
Purpose
Can you opt out?
cookieconsent_status
- Essential
- 12 months
Remembers whether you have accepted
or declined optional cookies, so we do
not ask you every time you visit.
No - required for the
cookie banner to work
PHPSESSID (or similar
session cookie)
- Essential
- Session only
Keeps your session active while
you navigate the site. Deleted
when you close your browser.
No - required for the
website to function
These cookies are only placed on your device if you click 'Accept analytics cookies' on our cookie banner. If you decline, none of these cookies are set and no analytics data is collected about you.
Cookie Name & type
Purpose
Can you opt out?
_ga
- Analytics (Google)
- 2 years
Distinguishes unique users by assigning
a randomly generated number. Used by Google Analytics to calculate visitor, session and campaign data.
Yes - decline via our
cookie banner or
browser settings
_ga_XXXXXXXX
- Analytics (Google)
- 2 years
Used by Google Analytics 4 to
maintain session state.
Yes - decline via
our cookie banner
or browser settings
_gid
- Analytics (Google)
- 24 hours
Distinguishes users. Used by
Google Analytics.
Yes - decline via
our cookie banner
or browser settings
_gat
- Analytics (Google)
- 1 minute
Used to throttle request rate to
Google Analytics. Limits data
collection on high-traffic sites.
Yes - decline via
our cookie banner
or browser settings
If our website includes embedded content from other organisations — such as YouTube videos, social media buttons, or Google Maps — those third parties may also set cookies on your device when you interact with that content. We do not control these cookies.
Cookie Name & type
Purpose
Can you opt out?
YouTube / Google
- Third party
- Up to 2 years
Set when you play an embedded
YouTube video. May track your
viewing activity across Google services.
Yes - decline via the
YouTube privacy settings
or your browser
Social media plugins
- Third party
- Varies
Set if we include social
media share buttons (Facebook,
Twitter/X, LinkedIn). May track
you across sites even if you do
not click the button.
Yes - decline via your
browser settings or social
media account settings
You have several ways to control which cookies are placed on your device.
Our cookie consent banner
When you first visit our website, a banner will appear asking you to accept or decline optional (analytics) cookies. You can change your choice at any time by clicking the 'Manage cookie preferences' link in the footer of our website.
Your browser settings
Most browsers allow you to refuse or delete cookies through their settings. Here is how to do it in the main browsers:
Browser
Setting
Google Chrome
Settings → Privacy and Security → Cookies and other site data
Mozilla Firefox
Settings → Privacy and Security → Cookies and Site Data
Safari
Preferences → Privacy → Manage Website Data
Microsoft Edge
Settings → Cookies and site permissions → Cookies and site data
Please note: if you disable all cookies, some parts of our website may not work correctly. Essential cookies cannot be blocked through our banner - only through your browser settings.
Google Analytics opt-out
You can prevent Google Analytics from collecting data about your visits across all websites by installing the Google Analytics Opt-out Browser Add-on, available at: tools.google.com/dlpage/gaoptout
4. Changes to This Cookies Policy
We review this Cookies Policy at least once a year and whenever we make changes to the cookies we use. When we add new cookies we will update this page and, if the new cookies are non-essential, update our cookie consent banner.
Contact
Information
support@skillsenterprise.co.uk
Address
Aston Mansfield Community Centre, Manor Park, London E12 5JF
ICO (to complain)
www.ico.org.uk | 0303 123 1113