Cookie Policy

Last Updated: January 2026

Important: This website uses cookies that are essential for the operation of our DBS (Disclosure and Barring Service) application system. These cookies are necessary for authentication, security, and maintaining your application session.

1. Introduction

United Kingdom Homecare Association Limited ("we", "us", or "our") operates the Disclosure Service online application system. This Cookie Policy explains how we use cookies and similar technologies when you visit our website at disclosureservice.uk and use our online application services.

2. 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 and provide information to the website owners.

3. Why We Use Cookies

We use cookies for the following essential purposes:

  • Authentication: To verify your identity and maintain your secure login session
  • Security: To protect your application data from unauthorized access and prevent security threats
  • Application State Management: To preserve your application data as you progress through the multi-step form
  • Session Management: To maintain your connection to our secure servers while completing your DBS application

4. Essential Cookies Notice

All cookies used by this website are strictly essential for the operation of the DBS application system. These cookies are necessary to:

  • Process and submit your DBS application securely
  • Maintain your authenticated session
  • Protect your personal data
  • Ensure compliance with DBS security requirements

You cannot opt out of these cookies while using our service, as they are essential for the website to function. If you disable these cookies in your browser settings, you will not be able to complete or submit your DBS application.

5. Third-Party Cookies

We do not use any third-party cookies for tracking, analytics, advertising, or marketing purposes. All cookies are first-party cookies set by our domain (disclosureservice.uk) and are used solely for the operation of the application system.

6. How to Manage Cookies

While you can configure your browser to refuse cookies, please note that doing so will prevent you from using our DBS application service. The cookies we use are essential for the security and functionality of the application process.

Browser Settings

Most web browsers allow you to manage cookies through their settings preferences. However, limiting cookies will impact your ability to use our service:

  • Google Chrome: Settings > Privacy and security > Cookies and other site data
  • Microsoft Edge: Settings > Cookies and site permissions
  • Mozilla Firefox: Settings > Privacy & Security > Cookies and Site Data
  • Safari: Preferences > Privacy > Cookies and website data

7. Data Security and Encryption

All cookies used by our application contain encrypted data. We use industry-standard encryption methods to protect the information stored in cookies, including:

  • Machine key encryption for authentication tokens
  • ViewState encryption for form data
  • Secure cookie transmission over HTTPS only
  • HTTP Strict Transport Security (HSTS) implementation

8. Session Timeout

For your security, your session will expire after 180 minutes (3 hours) of activity. The session uses a "sliding expiration" mechanism, which means the timeout period is reset each time you interact with the application. If you remain inactive for 180 minutes, you will need to log in again.

9. Legal Basis for Cookie Use

Under UK GDPR and the Privacy and Electronic Communications Regulations (PECR), we rely on the following legal basis for using cookies:

  • Legitimate Interest: The cookies are strictly necessary for the provision of the online DBS application service that you have explicitly requested
  • Contractual Necessity: The cookies are essential to fulfill our contractual obligation to process your DBS application

As these cookies are strictly essential, we do not require your consent to use them under PECR Regulation 6(4).

10. Children's Privacy

Our service is not intended for use by individuals under the age of 16. We do not knowingly collect personal information from children through cookies or any other means.

11. Changes to This Cookie Policy

We may update this Cookie Policy from time to time to reflect changes in our practices or for legal, operational, or regulatory reasons. We will notify you of any material changes by posting the updated policy on this page with a new "Last Updated" date.

12. Contact Information

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

United Kingdom Homecare Association Limited
Disclosure Service
Sutton Business Centre
Restmor Way
Wallington SM6 7AH

Telephone: 020 8661 8188 (option 3)
Fax: 020 8669 7100
Email: disclosure@homecareassociation.org.uk

13. Additional Information

For more information about how we handle your personal data, please see our Privacy Policy.

For our full terms and conditions, please visit our Terms and Conditions page.

14. Regulatory Information

Company Information:
United Kingdom Homecare Association
A company limited by guarantee
Company registered in England No. 03083104
Registered Office: Sutton Business Centre, Restmor Way, Wallington SM6 7AH