Cookie Policy
Last updated: March 2026
This cookie policy explains what cookies NHS Pay Check (https://www.nhspaycheck.co.uk) uses, why we use them, and how you can control them.
What Are Cookies?
Cookies are small text files placed on your device when you visit a website. They are widely used to make websites work efficiently and to provide information to site owners.
Cookies We Use
Essential Storage
We use your browser's local storage (not a cookie) to remember your cookie consent choice. This is necessary for the site to respect your preferences and cannot be switched off.
| Key | Purpose | Duration |
|---|---|---|
cookie-consent | Remembers whether you accepted or rejected cookies (stored in localStorage) | Until cleared |
Analytics Cookies (Google Analytics GA4)
We use Google Analytics to understand how visitors use our site. These cookies are only set if you accept cookies. If you reject cookies, Google Analytics runs in cookieless mode and sends anonymous pings that cannot identify you.
| Cookie | Purpose | Duration |
|---|---|---|
_ga | Distinguishes unique visitors by assigning a randomly generated number | 2 years |
_ga_WEY7VHC7R0 | Maintains session state for Google Analytics | 2 years |
Google Analytics may also set additional short-lived cookies (e.g., _gid, _gat) to throttle request rates and manage session data. These typically expire within 24 hours.
Advertising Cookies (Google AdSense)
We display adverts via Google AdSense to help fund the running of this site. How AdSense behaves depends on your cookie consent choice:
- Before you choose or if you reject cookies: AdSense may show non-personalised adverts that are not based on your browsing history. No advertising cookies are set, and ad click identifiers are redacted.
- If you accept cookies: AdSense may set cookies to serve personalised adverts based on your interests and browsing history across the web.
Common AdSense cookies include:
| Cookie | Purpose | Duration |
|---|---|---|
__gads | Measures ad interactions and prevents the same ad being shown repeatedly | 13 months |
__gpi | Used by Google to identify the user for ad personalisation | 13 months |
__eoi | Used by Google for ad targeting | 6 months |
These advertising cookies are only set if you accept cookies. Google may set additional cookies as described in their advertising privacy documentation.
Google Consent Mode
We use Google Consent Mode v2 to manage how Google Analytics and Google AdSense behave based on your cookie consent choice. When you first visit the site, all consent categories (ad storage, ad personalisation, ad user data, and analytics storage) are set to "denied" by default. If you accept cookies, these are updated to "granted" and Google services can operate fully. If you reject cookies, they remain denied and Google operates in a limited, cookieless mode.
How to Control Cookies
You can change your cookie consent choice at any time by clicking the "Manage Cookies" link in the footer of any page. This will re-display the cookie consent banner so you can update your preference.
You can also control and delete cookies through your browser settings. Here's how in common browsers:
- Chrome: Settings > Privacy and security > Cookies and other site data
- Firefox: Settings > Privacy & Security > Cookies and Site Data
- Safari: Preferences > Privacy > Manage Website Data
- Edge: Settings > Cookies and site permissions > Cookies and site data
You can also opt out of Google Analytics across all websites by installing the Google Analytics Opt-out Browser Add-on, available from Google. You can opt out of personalised advertising by visiting Google's Ad Settings.
Please note that blocking cookies may affect the functionality of some parts of the site.
Changes to This Policy
We may update this cookie policy from time to time. The "last updated" date at the top of this page will reflect any changes.
More Information
For more details on how we handle your data, see our Privacy Policy. If you have questions about our use of cookies, please contact us at hello@nhspaycheck.co.uk.