COOKIE POLICY
National Institute of Medical Herbalists (NIMH)
Effective Date: June 2026 (Updated under PECR / Data (Use and Access) Act 2025 Amendments)
1. Introduction
This Cookie Policy explains how the National Institute of Medical Herbalists (“we”, “us”, or “our”) uses cookies and similar tracking technologies when you visit our website at www.nimh.org.uk.
This policy has been updated to reflect the Privacy and Electronic Communications Regulations (PECR) amendments enacted under the UK Data (Use and Access) Act 2025 (DUAA), which modernize consent rules for low-risk, first-party analytics while maintaining strict protections and opt-out transparency for site visitors.
2. What Are Cookies?
Cookies are small text files placed on your computer, smartphone, or other terminal device when you visit a website. They are widely used to make websites work efficiently, provide secure log-in features, and deliver anonymous performance reporting to site operators.
3. Categories of Cookies We Use
A. Strictly Necessary Cookies (Exempt from Consent)
These cookies are essential for the operation of our website and services. They enable core functionality such as user authentication, session security, shopping cart management, and account login. Under PECR and DUAA 2025 regulations, consent is not required for strictly necessary cookies because our site cannot function properly without them.
B. First-Party Performance & Web Analytics Cookies (DUAA 2025 Exempted Category)
Under the DUAA 2025 amendments to PECR, certain low-risk, first-party cookies used solely for collecting statistical information to measure website audience, traffic, and feature performance are exempt from pre-consent banners, provided that:
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The data collected is aggregated and used exclusively by NIMH to improve our website experience.
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No personal data is shared with third parties for cross-context marketing or independent advertising purposes.
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Visitors are provided with clear upfront information and an easy, accessible mechanism to opt out at any time.
C. Functionality & Preference Cookies
These cookies allow our website to remember choices you make (such as your preferred font size or region) to provide enhanced, personalized features during your browsing session.
D. Targeting & Marketing Cookies
Where third-party marketing or tracking cookies are utilized (for example, embedded video players or direct social media integrations), we obtain your prior explicit consent via our cookie preferences banner before these cookies are placed on your device.
4. Summary of Cookies Set by NIMH
| Cookie Name / Provider | Category | Purpose | Duration | Consent Basis |
PHPSESSID / wordpress_sec_ |
Strictly Necessary | Maintains user session, login state, and shopping cart contents securely. | Session | Exempt (Strict Necessity) |
_ga / First-Party Analytics |
Performance / Analytics | Measures site traffic, popular pages, and navigation flow to improve usability. | 2 years | DUAA First-Party Analytics Exemption (Opt-out available) |
cookie_consent_status |
Strictly Necessary | Stores your cookie consent preferences across website visits. | 1 year | Exempt (Strict Necessity) |
5. How to Control and Opt Out of Cookies
You have full control over how cookies are placed on your device:
A. Analytics Opt-Out Mechanism
You can exercise your right to opt out of our first-party performance and web analytics tracking at any time by clicking the button on our Cookie Preferences banner or visiting our website settings page.
B. Browser Settings
Most web browsers allow you to manage cookie settings directly. You can configure your browser to block all cookies, accept only certain cookies, or notify you when a cookie is set. Please note that blocking strictly necessary cookies may impact website functionality and user logins.
6. Changes to This Cookie Policy
We may update this Cookie Policy periodically to reflect changes in technical standards or legal obligations. Any updates will be posted on this page with an updated effective date.
7. Contact Us
If you have any questions or require further clarification regarding our use of cookies, please contact us at:
National Institute of Medical Herbalists
Email: info@nimh.org.uk
Postal Address: Clover House, James Court, South Street, Exeter, EX1 1EE
Telephone: 01392 426022