We put small files (known as 'cookies') onto your computer to collect information about how you use the site.
Cookies are used to:
The cookies aren't used to identify you personally.
Find out more about how to manage cookies.
We use Google Analytics to collect information about how you use this service. This helps us check that the service meets your needs and to make improvements.
Google Analytics stores information about:
No personal details are stored with this information, so you can't be identified.
| Name | Purpose | Expires |
|---|---|---|
| _utma | This lets us know if you've visited before, so we can count how many of our visitors are new to the service or to a certain page | 2 years |
| _utmt | This regulates the amount of information that is received from the site | 10 minutes |
| _utmb | This works with _utmc to calculate the average length of time you spend on the appointment booking service | 30 minutes |
| _utmc | This works with _utmb to calculate when you close your browser | When you close your browser |
| _utmz | This tells us how you reached the appointment booking service (eg from another website or a search engine) | 6 months |
Google isn't allowed to use or share our analytics data.
You can opt out of Google Analytics cookies.
We store session cookies on your computer so that any information you give or changes you make while booking an appointment are remembered from page to page. These cookies don't store your personal data and are deleted once you've completed the transaction.
| Name | Purpose | Expires |
|---|---|---|
| OFLogon | If you need to log in to the service, this cookie stops you having to log in multiple times within a session | When you close your browser |
| OFSessionHash | This distinguishes your session from other active sessions, and makes sure the system behaves correctly as you move through the different screens | When you close your browser |
| OFCoBrowseMode | This allows someone to see a live 'read only' view of your session if you need help booking your appointment. It isn't used for any other purpose and both you and the person assisting must agree to use this facility first | When you close your browser |
No personal data is stored with these cookies so you can't be identified.
| Name | Purpose | Expires |
|---|---|---|
| OFCookie | This lets us know if it's the first time you've used the appointment booking service and if we need to display the 'Cookie Use' banner | 1 year |
| OFAjaxMode | Improves how certain screens are displayed and handled by screen readers | Never, unless cleared manually |
Last updated: 19 October 2015
GOV.UK