Understanding Cookie Consent

The Job Evaluation Platform is committed to protecting your privacy and complying with UK GDPR and DPA 2018 regulations. Our cookie consent system gives you control over how we use cookies and tracking technologies.

Cookie Categories

🍪 Essential Cookies

• Purpose: Core platform functionality
• Required: Yes (cannot be disabled)
• Examples: Authentication, session management, security
• Duration: Session or until logout
• Data: Minimal identifiers only

⚙️ Functional Cookies

• Purpose: Enhanced user experience
• Required: No (can be disabled)
• Examples: Language preferences, UI settings, remember login
• Duration: Typically 30-365 days
• Data: User preference settings

📊 Analytics Cookies

• Purpose: Usage statistics and improvements
• Required: No (can be disabled)
• Examples: Page views, feature usage, performance metrics
• Duration: Typically 2 years
• Data: Anonymized usage patterns

Managing Your Consent

Initial Consent

When you first visit the platform: 1. Consent Banner: Appears at the bottom of the screen 2. Quick Accept: Click "Accept All" for full functionality 3. Customize: Click "Manage Preferences" for granular control 4. Essential Only: Click "Essential Only" for minimal cookies

Changing Your Preferences

You can modify your cookie preferences at any time:

1. Footer Link: Click "Cookie Settings" in the footer
2. Settings Page: Access via user menu → Privacy Settings
3. Re-consent: Clear your browser cookies to see banner again

Consent Options

• Accept All: Enable all cookie categories
• Essential Only: Disable non-essential cookies
• Custom Selection: Choose specific categories
• Withdraw Consent: Disable previously accepted cookies

What Data We Collect

With Essential Cookies Only

• User authentication status
• Session security tokens
• Basic navigation preferences
• System error logs (anonymized)

With All Cookies Enabled

• Feature usage patterns
• Performance metrics
• User journey analytics
• System optimization data

Privacy Protection

Data Minimization

• Only collect necessary data
• Regular data cleanup
• Anonymization where possible
• No cross-site tracking

Security Measures

• Encrypted cookie storage
• Secure transmission (HTTPS)
• Regular security audits
• Access logging

Your Rights

Under UK GDPR, you have the right to: - Access: Request data we hold about you - Rectification: Correct inaccurate information - Erasure: Request data deletion - Portability: Export your data - Objection: Opt-out of processing

Technical Implementation

Cookie Storage

Essential: jobeval_session, csrf_token
Functional: user_preferences, lang_setting
Analytics: _ga, _gid, platform_analytics

Expiry Management

• Session Cookies: Deleted when browser closes
• Persistent Cookies: Expire based on category settings
• Automatic Cleanup: Old cookies removed regularly

Browser Compatibility

The consent system works across all modern browsers: - Chrome, Firefox, Safari, Edge - Mobile browsers supported - Fallback for JavaScript disabled

Frequently Asked Questions

"Why do I see the cookie banner again?"

• You cleared your browser data
• Cookie preferences expired
• New cookie categories added
• Different device/browser used

"Can I use the platform without cookies?"

• Essential cookies are required for basic functionality
• Some features may be limited without functional cookies
• Analytics features require analytics cookies

"How do I completely opt out?"

1. Select "Essential Only" in consent banner
2. Clear existing browser cookies
3. Disable cookies in browser settings
4. Consider using private/incognito mode

"What happens to my data if I withdraw consent?"

• Existing data is anonymized where possible
• No new non-essential data collection
• Essential data retained for security
• Full deletion available on request

Legal Compliance

UK GDPR Compliance

✅ Lawful basis for processing ✅ Clear consent mechanisms
✅ Easy withdrawal options ✅ Data protection impact assessment

DPA 2018 Compliance

✅ Privacy by design ✅ Data minimization ✅ Transparent processing ✅ Individual rights protection

Industry Standards

✅ ICO guidance compliance ✅ ePrivacy Directive alignment ✅ Cookie law compliance ✅ Best practice implementation

Contact & Support

Need help with cookie settings or privacy concerns?

📧 Email: privacy@jobeval.com 📞 Phone: +44 (0)20 7946 0958 🌐 Online: Help Center → Privacy & Compliance

Data Protection Officer: Available for privacy-related queries Response Time: Within 5 working days Languages: English, Welsh (upon request)

Last updated: Current as of platform deployment Review cycle: Updated with new features