Cookie Policy

EXECUTIVE SUMMARY

Like most websites, GoCareer.org and our Elevate Suite use cookies and similar technologies to enhance your experience. Cookies are small files placed on your device to remember preferences, analyse usage, or support logins. Under the UK Privacy and Electronic Communications Regulations (PECR), we must inform you about cookies and obtain consent for non-essential ones.

This policy explains what cookies we use, why, and how you can control them. We also provide suggested banner text for managing your cookie choices.

1. HOW WE USE COOKIES

We use cookies for the following purposes:

Strictly Necessary Cookies

Essential for core site functions. For example, cookies that keep you logged in to the Elevate Suite, maintain session data, or enable cart/checkout functions in our payment flow. These cookies do not require consent.

Preference Cookies

Remember your settings (e.g. language preference, cookie banner choices).

Analytics Cookies

Help us understand how visitors use our site and Elevate platform (e.g. Google Analytics, possibly Hotjar). We use these to improve navigation and content. These are set by third-party analytics services.

Marketing Cookies

For advertising and targeted content. This includes cookies from platforms like Facebook, LinkedIn, or Google Ads if you click our ads. We do not set these without your consent.

The exact cookies can change over time; examples include session cookies (_session), Google Analytics (_ga, _gid), and marketing pixels. Our cookies typically last from end of session to up to 24 months.

2. COOKIE AND ANALYTICS DATA RETENTION

GoCareer retains cookie and analytics data only for as long as is necessary to fulfil the purposes for which it is collected, including website functionality, performance monitoring, and user experience optimisation.

Cookie retention periods are determined with reference to:

The principle of storage limitation under UK GDPR;
Guidance issued by the Information Commissioner’s Office; and
Industry standards for analytics and website performance tools

Analytics and tracking data is typically retained for a period of up to twenty-four (24) months, after which it is:

Automatically deleted; or
Aggregated and anonymised so that it no longer identifies individual users

Shorter retention periods may apply depending on the specific cookie or tool used.

Where cookies are used to record consent preferences:

Such records may be retained for longer where necessary to demonstrate compliance with legal obligations, including the requirement to evidence valid consent under applicable data protection laws

2.1 CONSENT RECORDS

GoCareer may retain records of cookie consent, including:

Timestamp of consent
Consent preferences selected
Version of the cookie notice presented

This is necessary to:

Demonstrate compliance with legal obligations;
Evidence lawful processing of personal data; and
Defend against regulatory or legal challenges

Such records may be retained for as long as required to meet legal and regulatory requirements.

3. CONSENT AND MANAGING COOKIES

On your first visit, we display a cookie banner explaining our use of cookies and asking for your preferences. You can choose to Accept All Cookies, Reject Non-Essentials, or customize your settings. Consent is not required for strictly necessary cookies, but all others require your opt-in.

You can withdraw or change your consent at any time by:

Revisiting the cookie banner on our site (click “Cookie Settings” usually at bottom of page)
Adjusting your browser settings (see below)

If you disable cookies entirely, some site features may not work (e.g. you may stay logged out, or your experience may not be personalised). We provide a consent manager and links for key browsers: Chrome, Firefox, Edge, Safari (see ICO links below).

4. BROWSER CONTROLS

You can control cookies via your web browser:

Delete Cookies

Clear all cookies from your browser.

Block Cookies

Prevent cookies from being set.

Third-Party Cookies

Block cookies from external sites.

Private Browsing

Use incognito mode to avoid saving cookies. Each browser has its own method. For example, in Chrome go to Settings > Privacy and security > Cookies. In Firefox use Options > Privacy & Security > Cookies.

5. IMPACT OF DISABLING COOKIES

Disabling cookies may limit functionality: you might have to re-enter login details, lose saved preferences, or see less relevant content. Core services (like our login, projects on Elevate Suite) may require essential cookies. Non-essential tracking cookies will be inactive if you refuse consent.

6. POLICY UPDATES AND CONTACT

We may update this Cookies Policy to reflect changes (e.g. new cookies). The “Last Updated” date will change when we do. For questions about cookies or consent, contact info@GoCareer.org. See the ICO’s pages on cookies for general guidance

ICO Guidance

The ICO requires clear cookie notices and consent for non-essential cookies. For more information, visit ico.org.uk.