Cookie Policy
Last updated: 28 May 2026
This notice explains what cookies and similar storage TIDE uses. We keep it minimal by design: only the storage actually needed to run the diagnostic, plus cookie-less analytics for understanding which pages are visited. For broader privacy detail, see our Privacy Policy.
1. Who we are
Itarck Ltdoperates the TIDE service under the TIDEOS brand. Itarck Ltd is the data controller for any personal data processed via cookies / similar storage on TIDE. Itarck Ltd is a company registered in England & Wales (company number 12930155); our full registration and registered-office details are set out in section 1 of the Privacy Policy.
2. What cookies and similar storage we use
Under UK PECR and the EU ePrivacy Directive, websites must disclose all cookies and similar device-side storage technologies. We categorise ours as follows.
Strictly necessary (no consent required)
Strictly necessary cookies and similar storage are essential to deliver a service you have requested. Under PECR Regulation 6(4) they don't require user consent. TIDE uses:
| Storage | Purpose | Retention |
|---|---|---|
| StoragesessionStorage[TIDE_ACCESS_KEY] | PurposeHolds your voucher entry context (email + redeemed code) so you can move from /access through /setup into the diagnostic without re-entering it | RetentionCleared when the browser tab closes |
| StoragesessionStorage[TIDE_CTX_KEY] | PurposeHolds your diagnostic session reference, the link that lets you resume it, and setup details (organisation, programme and its objective, sector, role, email) so the facilitator agent can start the assessment with that context, and so refreshing the page returns you to where you were | RetentionCleared when the browser tab closes |
| StoragelocalStorage[tide_cookie_ack] | PurposeRecords that you've dismissed the cookie acknowledgement notice so it doesn't reappear | RetentionUntil you clear your browser storage |
| StorageNext.js / Vercel routing cookies | PurposeRouting, CSRF, and basic platform operation. Set by the hosting platform; required for the application to function | RetentionTypically session-scoped |
Analytics (cookie-less)
We use Vercel Analytics to understand which pages are visited and how visitors find us — page views, source attribution, basic conversion events.
Critically, Vercel Analytics is cookie-less. It doesn't set cookies, doesn't collect IP addresses, doesn't use cross-site identifiers, and can't track you across other sites. It generates an anonymous, short-lived fingerprint that lasts a single session.
Because no cookies are set and no identifying data is collected, this analytics doesn't require consent under UK PECR.
Marketing and advertising cookies
We don't use any. No advertising pixels, no remarketing tags, no third-party tracking scripts.
3. Why you don't see a Accept / Reject banner
The full Accept / Reject / Manage cookie banner that's common on UK websites exists to obtain consent for non-essentialcookies before they're set. TIDE Phase 1 only uses strictly necessary cookies + cookie-less analytics — so there's nothing non-essential to consent to.
You will see a small, one-line acknowledgement notice on your first visit, pointing to this page. It's informational only, with a single Dismiss action; it doesn't set any tracking cookies of its own.
If we ever introduce non-essential cookies (for example, a different analytics vendor, marketing pixels, or remarketing tags), we'll add a full consent banner before they go live. This page will be updated and dated, and the change will be communicated.
4. How to opt out or change your mind
- Browser controls. All modern browsers let you disable or delete cookies, block third-party cookies, or clear site data. If you disable cookies for TIDE the diagnostic flow may stop working (the strictly necessary storage in § 2 is required for the service).
- Do Not Track. If your browser sends a Do Not Track signal, the cookie acknowledgement notice is suppressed. Vercel Analytics also respects DNT.
- Vercel Analytics opt-out. Vercel publishes a user-facing opt-out at Vercel's privacy page covering all sites that use their analytics product.
- Clear your dismissal.To make the cookie acknowledgement notice reappear, clear localStorage for the TIDE domain in your browser's dev tools (Application → Local Storage).
5. Updates to this policy
We'll update this page when our cookie / storage posture changes materially — for example if we add a non-essential analytics vendor, introduce marketing pixels, or change the retention defaults. The "Last updated" date at the top will move and the change will be re-disclosed via a temporary notice before it takes effect.
The current version is dated 28 May 2026. Historic versions are tracked in our source-control history.
6. Contact
Questions about cookies or any aspect of how we handle your data? Email paul@thwaite.me.uk. For the full data-protection picture see our Privacy Policy.