Cookie Policy
Introduction to policy
The Outscape Cookie Policy explains how Outscape uses cookies and similar technologies on our websites.
We use cookies to understand how visitors use our websites, improve functionality, and enhance user experience. Some cookies are essential for the operation of the site, while others require your consent.
You will be given the option to accept or reject non-essential cookies through our cookie consent banner when you first visit the website.
For information on how we process personal data outside of cookies, including participation in programmes such as Walking for All, please refer to our Privacy Policy.
This Cookie Policy complies with the UK General Data Protection Regulation (UK GDPR), the Data Protection Act 2018, and the Privacy and Electronic Communications Regulations, as well as guidance from the ICO.
What are Cookies?
Cookies are small text files that are placed on your device (such as a computer, smartphone, or tablet) when you visit a website. They are widely used to make websites run efficiently, improve the user experience, and provide website owners with insights into how the site is used. Cookies may collect information such as device type, browser information, and browsing behaviour. Some cookies are essential for the website to function, while others are used for analytics or personalisation and require your consent.
Cookies can also be used to analyse the traffic and for advertising and marketing purposes. Cookies do not typically identify you directly, but may be linked to information that can identify you. Almost all websites use them and do not harm your system.
Types of Cookies Used
There are three main types of cookies that we use:
- Session cookies are only stored on your computer during your web session and are automatically deleted when you close your browser. They typically store an anonymous session ID, which allows you to browse a website without having to log into each page. However, they do not collect any personal data from your computer.
- Persistent cookies are stored as files on your computer and remain there even after you close your web browser. These cookies can be read by the website that created them when you visit that website again. Persistent cookies may be used for analytics purposes (e.g. Google Analytics or similar tools). We use persistent cookies for Google Analytics.
- Site preferences cookies are used to remember your choices and preferences when using our website, such as language settings or previously selected options. These cookies help provide a more personalised experience and ensure that your preferences are retained for future visits. The information collected by these cookies is typically anonymised and does not directly identify you.
Cookies can be categorised as follows:
- Strictly necessary cookies: These cookies are essential for using the website effectively, such as when making a purchase, and cannot be disabled. They enable core functionality such as security, network management, and accessibility. Without these cookies, certain services on our website cannot be provided. They do not collect information for marketing purposes or track your internet activity.
- Performance cookies: These cookies help us understand how visitors use our website by collecting and reporting information anonymously. They allow us to track visits, identify traffic sources, and determine the most popular parts of the site.
- Functionality cookies: These cookies enable our website to remember your choices and provide enhanced features. These cookies are used with your consent. For example, they may allow us to provide you with relevant news or updates based on the services you use. They may also facilitate services you’ve requested, such as viewing a video or commenting on a blog. The information collected by these cookies is usually anonymised.
- Targeting/Marketing Cookies: These cookies may be used to deliver relevant advertising or track browsing across websites.
How to Manage or Disable Cookies
You can manage and control which types of cookies you allow in your web browser. You can turn cookies on or off , through the Cookie consent tool, which allows you to accept or reject non-essential cookies
You can also control and manage cookies through your web browser settings. Most browsers allow you to:
- View what cookies are stored on your device
- Delete existing cookies (cache history)
- Block cookies from specific websites
- Block all cookies entirely
Please note that disabling certain cookies may impact the functionality of our website and limit your user experience.
You can find guidance on managing cookies for popular browsers below:
For more information about cookies and how they work, you can visit www.allaboutcookies.org.
Data Collected Via Cookies
We use cookies and similar tracking technologies to collect certain information when you visit our website. This helps us improve performance, usability, and overall user experience. The data collected through cookies may include:
Browsing information
- Pages visited on our website
- Time spent on each page
- Links clicked
- Search Queries
- Session Duration
Device Information
- Device Type – accessing via desktop, tablet or mobile device
- Browser type and version
- Geographic location
This information is typically collected in an aggregated and anonymised form and does not usually identify you directly. However, it may be combined with other information in certain circumstances.
We do not use cookies to collect special category data
How Collected Data is Used
Outscape uses the information collected through cookies to:
Improve User Experience
- Understand how visitors interact with the websites
- Improve navigation, content and overall usability
- Based on browsing behaviour, the site might suggest similar products, events or related content that aligns with the user’s interests.
Analysing Website Performance
- Using analytics tools (e.g. Google Analytics) to track visitor numbers, page popularity, and traffic flow through the website. This data can help improve the design and content strategy.
- Identify popular pages and areas of interest as well as measure the effectiveness of website contents
- Tracking how users navigate the site to identify potential issues, like broken links or pages with high exit rates.
Service Improvements
- Ensure the website remains relevant and useful to users
- Inform decisions about updates, services and features
Where analytics tools are used, data is processed in a way that does not directly identify individuals.
We do not use cookie data to make automated decisions about you or to profile you in a way that has legal or significant effects.
Sharing Cookie Data
We may share information collected through cookies with third parties who support the operation and improvement of our website (such as analytics providers or partner organisations, including councils & funders).
This information is typically aggregated and anonymised and is used to:
- Understand how users interact with websites
- Monitor visitor numbers and traffic patterns
- Improve website content and performance
We do not share information that directly identifies individuals through cookies.
When data is shared, we ensure that appropriate safeguards are in place.
Where third-party analytics tools are used, these providers may process data on our behalf in accordance with their own privacy policies and applicable data protection laws.
How long are Cookies stored
Cookies may be stored on your device for different periods depending on their purpose.
Session Cookies
These cookies are temporary and are deleted automatically when you close your browser.
Persistent Cookies
These cookies remain on your device for a specified period or until you manually delete them. We typically retain data for no longer than 2 years unless otherwise stated.
We retain cookie data only for as long as necessary to fulfil the purposes outlined in this policy, such as analysing website performance and improving user experience.
Where analytics tools are used, retention periods are set in accordance with those tools and are regularly reviewed to ensure they remain appropriate.
Changes to Cookie Policy
We may update this Cookie Policy occasionally to reflect changes in our practices or for other operational, legal or regulatory reasons. When we make significant updates, we will inform you in the following ways:
Notification on our website
- Banner or Pop-Up Notification: We will display a banner or pop-up notification on our website to inform you about any significant changes to this Cookie Policy. The notification will be visible when you visit our site, and you may be required to accept the updated policy to continue using the website
Update Date
- We will update the “Last Updated” date at the top of this Cookie Policy to reflect the latest changes. We encourage you to review this page periodically to stay informed about how we use cookies and similar technologies.
Contact Information
If you have any questions or concerns about this policy, you can contact Outscape’s Data Protection Officer:
Roisin Gallagher
028 90303930
