Last Updated: February 2025

1. Introduction
At WICA (Women in Construction Anglia), we use cookies and similar technologies to enhance your experience on our platform. This Cookie Policy explains what cookies are, how we use them and your choices regarding cookies.

By using the WICA website and platform, you agree to the use of cookies in accordance with this policy. If you do not agree to the use of cookies, you can manage or disable them through your browser settings (see Section 5: Managing Cookies).

2. What are Cookies?
Cookies are small text files stored on your device (computer, tablet, or mobile) when you visit a website. They help us recognise your device, remember your preferences and improve your user experience.

There are two types of cookies:

• Session Cookies: Temporary cookies that are deleted when you close your browser.
• Persistent Cookies: These remain on your device until they expire or are manually deleted.

3. How WICA uses Cookies
We use cookies for the following purposes:

3.1 Essential Cookies (Strictly Necessary)
These cookies are necessary for the operation of our platform and cannot be disabled. They include:

• Authentication cookies to keep you logged in.
• Security cookies to protect user data and prevent fraud.
•Load balancing cookies to ensure the website runs efficiently.

3.2 Performance & Analytical Cookies
These cookies help us understand how visitors interact with our website so we can improve user experience. They collect:

• Page visit frequency and user interaction data.
• Technical diagnostics (e.g., browser type, error messages).
• Anonymised statistics using tools like Google Analytics.

3.3 Functional Cookies
These cookies enhance functionality and user experience by remembering preferences such as:

• Language selection.
• Display settings.
• Customisation preferences.

3.4 Targeting & Marketing Cookies (Optional)
If you consent, we use cookies to:

• Provide personalised content and recommendations.
• Display relevant job opportunities, mentorship suggestions, or industry-related news.
• Support advertising campaigns (WICA does not share your data with third parties for advertising).

4. Third-Party Cookies
WICA may use third-party services that place cookies on our site, such as:

• Google Analytics (for website analytics)
• Social Media Plugins (to allow sharing and engagement)
• Embedded Content (e.g., videos) that may store cookies from external sites

These third parties have their own privacy policies, which we encourage you to review.

5. Managing Cookies
You have control over your cookie preferences. You can:

• Adjust settings in your browser to block or delete cookies.
• Opt-out of analytical cookies via our Cookie Preferences settings.
• Withdraw consent for non-essential cookies at any time.

To manage cookies in popular browsers:

• Google Chrome: Settings > Privacy & Security > Cookies and Site Data
• Firefox: Preferences > Privacy & Security > Cookies and Site Data
• Safari: Preferences > Privacy > Manage Website Data
• Microsoft Edge: Settings > Cookies and Site Permissions

Note: Disabling essential cookies may affect platform functionality.

6. Cookie Retention Periods
Except for essential cookies, all cookies are stored for no longer than 3 months. After this period, they are deleted unless you renew consent.

7. Updates to this Policy

We may update this Cookie Policy to reflect changes in technology or legal requirements. Updates will be posted on this page with the last updated date.

8. Contact & further information

If you have any questions about this Cookie Policy, please contact our Data Protection Officer (DPO) at: [DPO Email Address]

For more details on how we process your personal data, please see our Privacy Policy (link to document).

By continuing to use the WICA platform, you acknowledge that you have read and understood this Cookie Policy.