Cookies Policy

Last updated: 28 September 2026

This Cookies Policy explains how headlyft uses cookies and similar technologies on our website. As a provider of headline and media presentation resources focused on editorial structure, story planning, studio reports, and polished workflows for news content, we operate under the laws of the United Kingdom, including the UK GDPR, the Data Protection Act 2018, and the Privacy and Electronic Communications Regulations (PECR). This page provides clear information about the technologies we employ, the reasons for their use, and the choices available to visitors.

Understanding Cookies and Similar Technologies

Cookies are small text files placed on your device when you visit a website. They allow the site to remember actions and preferences over time. Similar technologies include web beacons, pixels, and local storage mechanisms that can store or access information on your device. These tools can record details such as your browser type, operating system, IP address, pages visited, and interaction patterns. In practice this means that when you return to our resource platform we can recognise previous visits without requiring you to re-enter information each time. The information stored is typically limited to identifiers and settings rather than personal details unless you have supplied them through forms.

Purposes of Using Cookies on Our Site

We deploy these technologies to ensure the website functions correctly, to improve performance, and to support the delivery of our editorial and media workflow resources. Without them certain features such as saving session preferences or loading interactive planning tools would not operate. They also help us understand how users navigate sections on story planning and studio reports so that we can refine the service. All uses are proportionate to the commercial nature of the site and respect the rights of visitors in the United Kingdom.

Categories of Cookies We Use

Strictly Necessary Cookies

These cookies are essential for the website to operate. They enable basic functions such as page navigation, access to secure areas, and maintenance of your session while using tools for news content workflows. Without them the site cannot function properly and they are always active.

Functional Cookies

Functional cookies remember choices you make, such as language settings or display preferences for media presentation resources. They enhance usability but are not required for core operation.

Analytics or Performance Cookies

These cookies collect information about how visitors use the site, including which pages on editorial structure or polished workflows receive the most attention. Data is aggregated and helps us identify areas for improvement without identifying individuals directly.

Advertising or Targeting Cookies

Where used, these cookies support the display of relevant promotional content about our course resources. They track browsing behaviour across sessions to limit repetition and tailor messages, always subject to your consent choices.

Social Media Cookies

These may be set by third-party platforms if you interact with sharing features. They allow content from our studio reports section to be shared but are governed by the policies of those external services.

First-Party Versus Third-Party Cookies

First-party cookies are set directly by headlyft and relate only to our domain. They support functions such as maintaining your progress through story planning modules. Third-party cookies originate from external providers that assist with analytics or content delivery. Both types are listed in later sections so you can make informed decisions about acceptance.

Session Versus Persistent Cookies

Session cookies exist only while your browser is open and are deleted when you close it. They are useful for temporary tasks such as completing a workflow checklist. Persistent cookies remain on your device for a defined period, ranging from a few days to two years depending on purpose. For example an analytics cookie might expire after thirteen months while a functional preference cookie could last for six months. Retention periods are chosen to balance convenience with privacy considerations under UK rules.

Data Handled and Specific Purposes

Each category processes limited data. Strictly necessary cookies handle session identifiers and security tokens. Functional cookies store preference values such as layout choices for media presentations. Analytics cookies record page views, time spent on editorial sections, and device information in aggregated form. Advertising cookies may capture interest signals related to news content topics. No category collects sensitive personal data without separate consent. All processing aligns with the legitimate interests of operating a commercial resource site or with your explicit consent where required.

Legal Basis for Each Category under UK Law

Strictly necessary cookies rely on the strict necessity exemption under PECR and do not require consent. Functional, analytics, advertising, and social media cookies are activated only after you provide consent through our banner, in line with PECR and UK GDPR transparency rules. You can withdraw consent at any time without affecting the lawfulness of processing before withdrawal. We maintain records of consent choices to demonstrate compliance.

Cookie Providers and Duration Details

The following providers are currently active on the site. Strictly necessary: session identifier from headlyft, duration of session only. Functional: preference storage from headlyft, duration up to six months. Analytics: performance tracking from a recognised analytics provider, duration thirteen months. Advertising: interest signals from a media delivery partner, duration up to two years. Social: sharing identifiers from an external platform, duration of session or up to one year. Full current lists are maintained within the consent management interface and updated as providers change.

How the Consent Manager Works and Changing Choices

Our site-wide cookie banner appears on first visit and allows you to accept all, reject non-essential, or customise selections by category. The manager records your decision and applies it across subsequent visits. To review or alter preferences later, locate the cookie settings link in the footer or on the Contacts page. Withdrawing consent immediately stops the relevant cookies from operating on your device. Changes take effect on your next page load.

Browser-Level Controls and Consequences of Disabling Cookies

Most browsers allow you to block or delete cookies through settings menus. Disabling strictly necessary cookies will prevent core functions such as accessing workflow tools from working. Blocking analytics cookies reduces our ability to improve content on story planning but does not stop site operation. Persistent cookies can be cleared manually, though this may require re-entering preferences. We recommend reviewing your browser help section for precise steps relevant to your device.

International Transfers of Data

Some third-party cookies may transfer information outside the United Kingdom to jurisdictions with different data protection standards. Where this occurs we rely on appropriate safeguards such as standard contractual clauses. Details of any such transfers are summarised in our separate Privacy Policy, which you can request via the contact form on the Contacts page.

Changes to This Policy and How to Contact Us

We review this Cookies Policy regularly and update it when our use of technologies changes or when legal requirements evolve. The current version date appears at the top of the page. For questions about cookie practices or to exercise your rights, please use the contact form on the Contacts page or write to 37 Alexander Close, Abingdon, Oxfordshire, OX14 1XA or email [email protected]. We respond to all legitimate enquiries within the timeframes required by UK data protection law.