Cookies Policy
Last updated: 22 September 2026.
What cookies and similar technologies are
Cookies are small text files placed on your device when you visit our website. They store information such as preferences, session details and browsing patterns. Similar technologies include web beacons, pixels and local storage that can access or store data on your device. These tools help websites function, remember choices and gather performance data without identifying you personally in most cases.
Why the site uses them
headsparkup operates a commercial platform focused on headline and editorial production guidance. Cookies support secure access to course materials, streamline workflows for story angles and script preparation, and enable essential analytics. They also assist with newsroom planning tools by remembering user settings across visits. Without them many core features would not operate reliably.
Strictly necessary cookies
These cookies are essential for the site to function. They enable secure login, protect against fraud and ensure forms such as the contact form operate correctly. They are set automatically and do not require consent under PECR because they are strictly necessary. Examples include session identifiers that keep you logged in while navigating editorial workflow resources.
Functional cookies
Functional cookies remember choices such as language preferences or display settings for the editorial production guide. They improve usability during newsroom planning sessions and script preparation exercises. These cookies are first-party and persist only as long as needed for convenience, typically up to twelve months.
Analytics or performance cookies
Analytics cookies collect aggregated information about how visitors use the site. They track page views, time spent on sections covering story angles and media-ready content workflows. This helps headsparkup improve the platform. Consent is required for these cookies under UK GDPR and PECR. Data is processed in anonymised form where possible.
Advertising or targeting cookies
Advertising cookies may be used to deliver relevant promotions about editorial courses. They track browsing across sites to show tailored messages. Third-party providers set these cookies and they require explicit consent. Retention periods vary by provider but are usually between thirty days and two years.
Social-media cookies
Social-media cookies allow integration with external platforms for sharing course content. They are third-party and track activity for social features. Consent is mandatory before these cookies activate. They may store identifiers for up to two years depending on the provider.
First-party versus third-party cookies
First-party cookies are set directly by headsparkup and relate to core site functions. Third-party cookies come from external services such as analytics or advertising partners. Third-party cookies often support performance monitoring and targeted content related to media production training.
Session versus persistent cookies
Session cookies expire when you close the browser and are used for temporary tasks such as maintaining a login during one visit. Persistent cookies remain on your device for a set period, for example up to twenty-four months for analytics purposes, allowing the site to recognise returning users interested in editorial workflows.
Data handled and purpose of each category
Necessary cookies handle authentication tokens and security flags. Functional cookies store interface preferences. Analytics cookies process IP addresses, device type and page interactions to measure engagement with planning tools. Advertising cookies capture browsing history for ad personalisation. All processing complies with UK GDPR principles of purpose limitation and data minimisation.
Consent or exemption basis for each category
Under the Privacy and Electronic Communications Regulations and UK GDPR, strictly necessary cookies operate without consent. All other categories require prior opt-in consent. headsparkup maintains records of consent choices in line with Data Protection Act requirements. You may withdraw consent at any time without affecting the lawfulness of prior processing.
Cookie provider table
The following table summarises key cookies used on the site. Provider names, categories and durations are listed for transparency.
- Session identifier: first-party, necessary, expires on browser close.
- Preference store: first-party, functional, twelve months.
- Analytics tracker: third-party, analytics, twenty-four months.
- Advertising pixel: third-party, advertising, thirty days to two years.
- Social share button: third-party, social-media, up to two years.
How the consent manager works
A site-wide cookie banner appears on first visit. You can accept all, reject non-essential or customise choices by category. Selections are stored for twelve months. To change preferences later, revisit the banner controls or contact [email protected]. Withdrawing consent immediately disables the relevant cookies where technically feasible.
Browser-level controls
Most browsers allow you to block or delete cookies through settings. Disabling necessary cookies may prevent login and access to the editorial production guide. Blocking analytics cookies stops performance data collection but does not affect core functionality. Instructions vary by browser; consult your browser help section for details.
International transfers
Some third-party cookies transfer data outside the United Kingdom. Appropriate safeguards such as standard contractual clauses are in place. Further details appear in our Privacy Policy, which you can request via the contact form on the Contacts page.
Policy changes and contact route
headsparkup may update this policy to reflect legal or operational changes. The current version always appears on this page with the last-updated date. For questions about cookies or to exercise your rights, use the contact form on the Contacts page or write to 16 High Holborn, London, WC1V 6BX, United Kingdom or email [email protected]. We respond to all valid enquiries promptly.