Cookie policy

NextStep UK uses cookies and similar browser storage. We only use what is strictly necessary to run the service — we do not use advertising, profiling or third-party tracking cookies. When you first visit, we show a short notice asking you to accept necessary cookies so you know they're in use.

Strictly necessary cookies

• Authentication session — set when you sign in, so we know who you are between page loads. Expires when your session ends or you sign out.
• Security tokens — short-lived tokens used to protect sign-in and form submissions from abuse.

These cookies are essential. Without them you cannot sign in, save opportunities or build a CV, so they are set without asking for consent — which UK law permits for strictly necessary cookies.

Browser local storage (not cookies)

• Unsaved career assessment results — kept on your device so you don't lose them while browsing, until you clear them or save them to an account.
• CV drafts — saved locally so you can come back to a part-finished CV.
• Site preferences — such as the accessibility text-size toggle, and your cookie notice choice.
• Early-access unlock — remembers that you've entered the preview password.

Local storage stays on your device and is never sent to us unless you sign in and choose to save that information to your account.

Analytics and advertising

We currently use no third-party analytics, advertising or social media tracking cookies. If that ever changes, we will update this page and ask for your consent before setting any non-essential cookie.

Third-party content

Some pages link out to GOV.UK Find an apprenticeship, employer websites and our learning partner Feed Study. Those sites set their own cookies and have their own policies — this policy does not cover them.

Managing cookies

You can clear or block cookies in your browser settings, and clear local storage at the same time. Blocking strictly necessary cookies will stop sign-in and saving from working. To reset the cookie notice, clear this site's storage in your browser and reload the page.

Questions

Email privacy@nextstepuk.org.