COOKIES POLICY
1. Introduction
Personality Disorder CIC (“we”, “us”, or “our”) values your privacy and is committed to protecting your personal information. This Cookies Policy explains how we use cookies and similar technologies on our website and related digital services, the types of cookies we use, why we use them, and your rights and options in relation to cookies.
This policy aims to help you understand:
- What cookies are and how they work
- The categories of cookies we use
- How we obtain your consent for cookies and how you can manage or withdraw it
- The legal basis for using cookies under UK law and the UK General Data Protection Regulation (UK GDPR)
- How we protect the data collected through cookies
This policy applies to all visitors to our website and users of our digital platforms, including www.bpduk.org and related domains.
We comply with the UK Privacy and Electronic Communications Regulations (PECR), UK GDPR, and guidance from the Information Commissioner’s Office (ICO).
Please read this policy carefully. By continuing to use our website, you consent to the use of cookies as described. If you do not agree, please adjust your cookie settings or refrain from using the site.
2. What Are Cookies?
Cookies are small text files that are stored on your device (computer, smartphone, tablet) when you visit a website. They are widely used to make websites work more efficiently, as well as to provide information to the owners of the site.
Cookies serve several functions, including:
- Recognising your device when you return to the website
- Remembering your preferences and settings (such as language or region)
- Enabling website functionality like logging in or filling out forms
- Collecting anonymous data on website usage and performance
- Supporting third-party services embedded in the website, such as video players or social media plugins
Cookies can be either:
- First-party cookies: Set directly by the website you are visiting
- Third-party cookies: Set by domains other than the website you are visiting, typically by embedded services
Cookies vary in duration:
- Session cookies are temporary and deleted when you close your browser
- Persistent cookies remain on your device for a specified period or until you delete them
Understanding what cookies are helps you make informed choices about your online privacy and experience.
3. Types of Cookies We Use
We use several categories of cookies on the Personality Disorder CIC website to enhance functionality, understand usage, and provide you with a better experience.
3.1 Strictly Necessary Cookies
These cookies are essential for the operation of our website and enable you to navigate and use core features, such as:
- Logging into secure areas
- Submitting forms
- Preventing fraud or security threats
Without these cookies, certain services you request cannot be provided. These cookies do not require your consent.
3.2 Performance and Analytical Cookies
Performance cookies collect information about how visitors use our website, such as:
- Number of visitors
- Pages visited
- Time spent on pages
- Any errors encountered
These cookies help us improve the website’s speed, reliability, and user experience. Data collected is aggregated and anonymised.
Examples include tools like Google Analytics.
Use of these cookies requires your informed consent.
3.3 Functional Cookies
Functional cookies remember choices you make on the site to provide enhanced and personalised features, such as:
- Language selection
- Region or timezone preferences
- Accessibility settings
These cookies require your consent.
3.4 Targeting and Advertising Cookies
We currently do not directly use targeting or advertising cookies. However, embedded third-party content (e.g., social media widgets, video players) may place such cookies, governed by their own privacy policies.
4. How We Obtain and Manage Consent
When you first visit the Personality Disorder CIC website, you will see a cookie banner or pop-up informing you about our use of cookies and requesting your consent for non-essential cookies.
You will be given options to:
- Accept all cookies
- Reject non-essential cookies
- Manage your cookie preferences by category
Your consent must be:
- Freely given — you have genuine choice and control
- Specific — consent applies to particular cookie categories
- Informed — you receive clear information about what cookies are used and why
- Unambiguous — a clear affirmative action is taken (e.g., clicking “Accept”)
You can withdraw or change your cookie preferences at any time by:
- Clicking the cookie settings link on the website footer or banner
- Adjusting your browser cookie settings to block or delete cookies
Please note that blocking certain cookies may affect website functionality or your user experience.
Our cookie management complies with the UK Privacy and Electronic Communications Regulations (PECR) and UK GDPR.
5. Legal Basis for Processing Cookies
Under UK law, including the Privacy and Electronic Communications Regulations (PECR) and the UK General Data Protection Regulation (UK GDPR), we process cookies based on the following legal bases:
5.1 Legitimate Interests
For strictly necessary cookies, we rely on our legitimate interests. These cookies are essential to provide core website functionality, security, and your requested services. Since these cookies do not collect personal data for additional purposes, they do not require your consent.
5.2 Consent
For all other cookies, including performance, analytical, and functional cookies, we require your explicit, informed consent before placing them on your device or accessing information stored on it.
Consent must be:
- Given freely without coercion or conditionality
- Specific to cookie types or purposes
- Documented and revocable
We do not use implied consent or pre-ticked boxes.
6. Managing and Disabling Cookies
You have the right and ability to manage or disable cookies on your device at any time. This can be done through your web browser or device settings.
6.1 Browser Settings
Most browsers allow you to:
- Block all or specific cookies
- Delete existing cookies
- Receive notifications when cookies are being set
- Allow cookies only for certain websites
The exact process varies depending on the browser and device. Common browsers with detailed instructions include:
- Google Chrome
- Mozilla Firefox
- Microsoft Edge
- Safari (Apple devices)
- Opera
For step-by-step guides on managing cookies in various browsers, please visit:
https://www.allaboutcookies.org/manage-cookies/
6.2 Effects of Disabling Cookies
Please note that disabling or blocking certain cookies may:
- Prevent you from logging in or accessing secure parts of the website
- Affect personalised settings or preferences
- Reduce the effectiveness of analytics, making it harder for us to improve the site
- Impair the functioning of embedded third-party content or services
We recommend reviewing your cookie settings to strike a balance between privacy and usability.
7. Third-Party Cookies and Embedded Content
Our website may include content and services hosted by third parties, which may place cookies on your device. These third parties are independent of Personality Disorder CIC and operate under their own privacy and cookie policies.
7.1 Examples of Third-Party Services
- Video hosting platforms (e.g., YouTube, Vimeo)
- Event management and registration services (e.g., Eventbrite)
- Social media plugins and sharing buttons (e.g., Facebook, Twitter)
- Analytics and marketing tools (e.g., Google Analytics)
7.2 Control Over Third-Party Cookies
We do not control these third-party cookies and recommend reviewing the privacy policies of the respective providers for detailed information on how they collect and use your data.
Where possible, we seek to use trusted providers who comply with UK data protection law and best practice.
7.3 Embedded Content and Data Protection
Embedded content may collect data via cookies or other tracking technologies. This data may include information about your device, browsing behaviour, and interactions with the embedded content.
We take reasonable steps to ensure embedded third-party services use data responsibly, but cannot guarantee their compliance.
8. Data Protection and Security
Personality Disorder CIC treats all data collected through cookies in accordance with our Privacy Policy and applicable data protection laws, including the UK GDPR.
8.1 Data Use and Minimisation
We only collect data necessary for the purposes outlined in this policy and our Privacy Policy. Wherever possible, data is aggregated or anonymised to protect your identity.
8.2 Security Measures
We implement appropriate technical and organisational measures to safeguard your data against:
- Unauthorised or unlawful processing
- Accidental loss, destruction, or damage
- Theft or misuse
These measures include encryption, access controls, secure servers, and regular audits.
8.3 Data Retention
Data collected via cookies is retained only for as long as necessary to fulfil the purposes for which it was collected or as required by law. Retention periods vary depending on the cookie type and service involved.
9. Children and Consent
Personality Disorder CIC is committed to protecting the privacy and data of children and young people.
9.1 Age Restrictions
Our website and services are primarily intended for adults and carers. We do not knowingly collect or process personal data from children under the age of 16 without verifiable parental or guardian consent.
9.2 Cookies and Children
We do not knowingly place cookies on the devices of children under 16 unless we have obtained parental consent or the cookies are strictly necessary for providing a service requested by the child.
Parents and guardians should monitor their children’s internet use and consult browser or device settings to manage cookie preferences.
10. Changes to This Cookies Policy
We may update this Cookies Policy from time to time to reflect changes in legal requirements, technology, or our practices.
10.1 Notification of Changes
When we make significant changes to this policy, we will:
- Post the updated policy on our website with a new effective date
- Display a notice on our website or within our cookie banner to inform users
- Communicate updates via email or other direct channels when appropriate
10.2 Review and Update Cycle
This policy is reviewed at least annually or more frequently if required by law or operational changes.
We encourage you to regularly review this page to stay informed about how we use cookies.
11. Contact Information
If you have any questions, concerns, or requests regarding this Cookies Policy or our use of cookies, please contact us at:
Personality Disorder CIC
Registered Office: 24 Pope Crescent, Enderby, Leicester, LE19 4QT
Email: [Insert contact email]
Phone: [Insert phone number, if applicable]
We will respond to all enquiries in a timely manner and strive to resolve any issues you raise.