Cookie Policy

This Cookie Policy explains how Railway Competence Group ("RCG", "we", "us") uses cookies and similar tracking technologies when you visit our website. It describes the types of cookies we use, why we use them, and how you can manage your preferences.

What are cookies?

Cookies are small text files that are placed on your computer or mobile device when you visit a website. They are widely used to make websites work more efficiently, as well as to provide information to the owners of the site. Cookies can be "session" cookies (deleted when you close your browser) or "persistent" cookies (remain on your device for a set period or until you delete them).

We also use similar technologies such as localStorage, which stores small amounts of data in your browser to remember your preferences and settings.

How we use cookies

We use cookies and similar technologies for several purposes: to ensure our website functions correctly, to understand how visitors interact with our site, and to improve our services and communications. We only place non-essential cookies after you have given your consent through our cookie preference banner.

Categories of cookies we use

Necessary

Essential for the website to function. These cannot be disabled.

Analytics

Help us understand how visitors use our site so we can improve it.

Marketing

Used to measure the effectiveness of our communications and outreach.

Specific cookies and technologies

Necessary cookies

These cookies are essential for the website to operate and cannot be switched off. They include:

• Consent preferences — We store your cookie consent choices in your browser's localStorage so that we remember your preferences when you return. This data is not shared with any third party.

• Session and security — Some cookies may be set by our hosting and security infrastructure to protect the site and ensure reliable service.

Analytics cookies

Analytics cookies help us understand how visitors engage with our website. We use this information to improve content, navigation, and user experience. Analytics data is aggregated and anonymised where possible. These cookies are only placed if you consent to the Analytics category.

• Plausible Analytics — A privacy-focused analytics service that does not use cookies by default, but may use a small amount of localStorage to track unique visits without personal data.

• PostHog — Product analytics that help us understand how users interact with features and forms on our site.

• Google Analytics (GA4) — If enabled, this provides aggregated usage statistics and event tracking to help us improve the site.

Marketing cookies

Marketing cookies help us measure the effectiveness of our outreach and communications. They may track events such as newsletter sign-ups or contact form submissions so we can understand which channels are most helpful to our audience. These cookies are only placed if you consent to the Marketing category.

How long cookies last

Session cookies expire when you close your browser. Persistent cookies and localStorage entries remain until they expire or you clear them manually. Our consent preference record is retained until you change your settings or clear your browser data.

Managing your cookie preferences

You can manage your cookie preferences at any time by clicking the button below or by using the "Manage cookie preferences" link in the footer of every page. You can also delete cookies and localStorage data through your browser settings.

Manage cookie preferences

Third-party services

We use a small number of trusted third-party services that may set their own cookies or store data when you interact with our site. These include analytics providers (listed above) and reCAPTCHA, which we use to protect our forms from spam and abuse. reCAPTCHA is operated by Google and is subject to Google's Privacy Policy and Terms of Service.

Changes to this policy

We may update this Cookie Policy from time to time to reflect changes in the cookies we use or for operational, legal, or regulatory reasons. When we make significant changes, we will update the date at the top of this page and, where appropriate, notify you via the website.

Contact us

If you have any questions about our use of cookies or this Cookie Policy, please contact us:

• Email: contact@rcg.org.uk

• Address: Albion Wharf, 19 Albion Street, Manchester M1 5LN