Policy paper

Cookies Policy

Updated 19 September 2024

© Crown copyright 2024

This publication is licensed under the terms of the Open Government Licence v3.0 except where otherwise stated. To view this licence, visit nationalarchives.gov.uk/doc/open-government-licence/version/3 or write to the Information Policy Team, The National Archives, Kew, London TW9 4DU, or email: psi@nationalarchives.gov.uk.

Where we have identified any third party copyright information you will need to obtain permission from the copyright holders concerned.

This publication is available at https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/dbs-privacy-policies/cookies-policy

Thank you for visiting the Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) website. This policy applies to the DBS website, using which you can:

  • view guidance
  • apply for a DBS Basic Check
  • register for, and access, your DBS online account
  • make online barring referrals
  • submit requests for information

By using our website, you are consenting to our use of cookies and other tracking technology in accordance with this policy. If you do not agree to our use of cookies and other tracking technology in this way, you should set your browser settings accordingly or should not use the DBS website. If you choose to disable the cookies that we use, this could impact your user experience.

1. What are cookies?

Cookies are small text files that are placed on your computer or mobile device by websites that you visit. They are widely used in order to make websites work, or work more efficiently, as well as to provide information to the owners of the site.

See below for details on what information is collected by cookies and how we use that information. For more information about the kind of data we collect, please read our Privacy Policies.

2. How and why does DBS use them?

DBS uses cookies to gain a better understanding of how visitors use our website. Cookies help us tailor to your personal needs, to improve usability.

To enable this, some cookies are applied when you enter the website. DBS keeps all the information collected from cookies in a format that means we cannot identify individuals. DBS cookies located on your computer do not retain your name or your IP address.

3. Storage and sharing of cookies

We don’t collect or store your personal information (for example, your name or address) so this information can’t be used to identify who you are. The cookies simply enable us to see behaviour on the website to help us improve your experience. The DBS does not share this data with third parties.

If you share online DBS content with friends through social networks – such as Facebook and Twitter - you may be sent cookies from these websites. We don’t control the setting of these cookies, so please check third party websites for more information about their cookies and how to manage them.

4. What type of cookies does DBS use?

The following types of cookies are used on the DBS website:

Necessary cookies These are cookies that are strictly necessary for the operation of the website. Without these, the website won’t work properly, so we are not asking you for your specific consent for these cookies. For all other cookies your informed consent is required.

Session cookies Session cookies are temporary cookie files which are erased when you close your browser. When you restart your browser and go back to the website that created that cookie, the website will treat you as a new visitor.

Persistent cookies These are cookies which are set up to improve the functionality of the website.

Please ensure that your computer setting reflects whether you are happy to accept cookies or not. You can set your browser to warn you before accepting cookies, or you can simply set it to refuse them, although you may not have access to all the features of the website if you do so. Your browser’s help section will advise how you can do this.

Remember that if you use different computers in different locations, you will need to ensure that each browser is adjusted to suit your cookie preferences.

For more information on the new legislation regarding cookies, see the Information Commissioners Office’s website.

For useful information on cookies, visit AboutCookies.org. These will open in a new window. Please note that we can’t be responsible for the content of external websites.

6. Specific cookies

Name of cookie Purpose Expires
_ga Used to identify unique users 2 years
_gid Used to identify unique users 24 hours
_gat Used to throttle request rate 1 minute
dbs_login Used to forward the request to the server holding the application session of the browsing session When you close your browser
InvalidRequest Used to block requests in case of abnormal browsing behaviour When you close your browser
JSESSIONID Used to link browsing session with application session When you close your browser
_WL_AUTHCOOKIE_JESSIONID Used to link browsing session with application session When you close your browser
DCCCtxCookie_disclsoure.homeoffice.gov.uk:443 Used for User Authentication When you close your browser
OAMAuthnCookie_disclosure.homeoffice.gov.uk 443 Used for User Authentication When you close your browser
TSXXXXXXXX Used to track user’s browsing behaviour. XXXXXXXX – is an alphanumeric number When you close your browser
TSXXXXXXXX_XX Used to track user’s browsing behaviour. XXXXXXXX_XX – is an alphanumeric number When you close your browser
SWIFT_client Used to store settings for the Kayako Webchat, such as selected template set 7 days
SWIFT_sessionidXX Used to track visits for the Kayako Webchat When you close your browser
SWIFT_visitor Used to identify user for the Kayako Webchat 7 days
SWIFT_visitorsession Used to link Kayako Webchat session with a specific user When you close your browser
SWIFT_livechatdetails Used to store username/email information which can be displayed in chat window 7 days
OAMAuthnCookie_barring.homeoofice.gov.uk:443 Used for User Authentication When you close your browser
DCCCtxCookie_barring.homeoffice.gov.uk:443 Used for User Authentication When you close your browser

We reserve the right to make any changes and corrections to this policy. Please refer to this page from time to time to review these and view new additional information.

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