Cookie Policy
1. Who We Are
This Cookie Policy applies to the websites operated by IQF Limited — trading as IQF Education (iqf.education) and IQF Awards (iqfawards.com). Both websites are operated by the same company. For questions about this policy, contact us at info@iqf.education.
2. What Are Cookies?
Cookies are small text files stored on your device when you visit a website. They are used to make websites function correctly, improve performance, and provide information to website owners. We may also use similar technologies including web beacons/pixels, local storage, and session storage. This policy covers all of these technologies.
3. Our Legal Obligations on Cookies
In the UK, cookie use is governed by the Privacy and Electronic Communications Regulations 2003 (PECR) alongside UK GDPR. Under PECR, we must: tell you what cookies we use and why; obtain your freely given, specific, and informed consent before placing any non-essential cookies; and make it as easy to withdraw consent as to give it. Only strictly necessary cookies can be set without consent.
4. Types of Cookies We Use
Essential Cookies
Required for the website and application portal to function. Cannot be switched off. These do not store personally identifiable information beyond what is needed to maintain a secure session. Consent required: No.
Functional / Preference Cookies
Remember your preferences and choices, such as language settings or your previously stated cookie consent preferences. Consent required: Yes.
Analytics and Performance Cookies
Help us understand how visitors use our website. Information collected is aggregated and anonymised. We may use Google Analytics for this purpose. Consent required: Yes — analytics cookies are only set after you give consent.
Marketing and Advertising Cookies
Set by advertising partners such as Facebook/Meta or Google Ads to show relevant advertisements and measure campaign effectiveness. These are only activated after your explicit consent. Consent required: Yes.
5. Specific Cookies on IQF Websites
| Cookie Name | Type | Purpose | Duration |
|---|---|---|---|
wordpress_logged_in_* | Essential | Maintains login session on WordPress admin dashboard | Session |
wordpress_sec_* | Essential | Security authentication for WordPress login | Session |
wp_lang | Functional | Stores language preference | 1 year |
cookielawinfo-checkbox-* | Functional | Remembers your cookie consent choices | 1 year |
CookieConsent | Functional | Stores cookie consent preferences from the banner | 1 year |
_ga | Analytics | Google Analytics — distinguishes unique users (anonymised) | 2 years |
_ga_* | Analytics | Google Analytics 4 — persists session state | 2 years |
_gid | Analytics | Google Analytics — distinguishes users | 24 hours |
_gat | Analytics | Google Analytics — throttles request rate | 1 minute |
_fbp | Marketing | Facebook / Meta Pixel — tracks conversions (with consent only) | 3 months |
This list is reviewed and updated when we make changes to our website. If you notice a cookie not listed here, please contact us at info@iqf.education.
6. Your Consent and Cookie Choices
How Our Cookie Banner Works
When you first visit iqf.education or app.iqfawards.com, a cookie consent banner appears. No non-essential cookies are set until you make a choice. The banner offers three options: Accept All, Reject All, and Manage Choices. Your choice is saved for 12 months.
Changing or Withdrawing Your Consent
You can change your cookie preferences at any time by clicking the "Manage Cookie Preferences" link in the footer of any page, or by clearing your browser cookies (which will reset your preferences). You can also contact us at info@iqf.education.
7. Managing Cookies Through Your Browser
You can also control cookies directly through your browser settings. Please note that blocking all cookies may affect some website functionality.
8. Third-Party Cookies and Services
| Service | Purpose | Privacy Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Google Analytics | Website usage analytics (anonymised) | policies.google.com/privacy |
| Meta / Facebook Pixel | Advertising campaign measurement (with consent only) | facebook.com/privacy/policy/ |
9. Cookies on the Application Portal (app.iqfawards.com)
The application portal at app.iqfawards.com is operated by the same company as iqf.education (IQF Education Ltd). The portal uses essential cookies to manage your login session securely. Your consent choice from iqf.education may not automatically carry over to the portal domain — you may be asked to confirm your preferences again on your first visit to app.iqfawards.com.
10. Updates to This Cookie Policy
We may update this Cookie Policy from time to time. When we make changes, we will update the "Last reviewed" date and, if changes are significant, reset the consent banner so you can review your preferences.
11. Contact and Further Information
- Email: info@iqf.education
- ICO guidance for the public on cookies: ico.org.uk/for-the-public/online/cookies/
- Our full Privacy Policy: iqf.education/privacy-policy/