Retired patterns Consent to cookies
RetiredThis pattern is retired because the GOV.UK Design System pattern and component now meets the requirements set out by the DWP Chief Information Officer.
Help users to understand what cookies do on DWP services and accept or reject them. Allow users to review and update their preferences at any time.
The pattern is based on GOV.UK guidelines and cookie policy and the NHS consent mechanism.
When to use this pattern
This should be used on all public facing DWP services.
How it works
View the prototype to see how the pattern works.
The cookie banner and related actions
The cookie banner is displayed the first time a service is used and persists on every page of the service until the user selects an option and updates their settings.
If the service is in ‘live’ or ‘public beta’ it should display on the first page of the service. If the service is in ‘private beta’ it should be shown on your own start page.

After the user has accepted or rejected the use of cookies
After the user accepts or rejects the use of cookies a confirmation message is displayed until they select “hide” or navigate away from the page.
If the user accepts the use of cookies

If the user rejects the use of cookies

If the user changes their cookie settings
If the user accepts cookies but then updates their settings to reject them, any cookies already placed on the user’s browser must be removed.
Content
The content in the prototype is to be used as the basis for all DWP services. You will need to change some elements of the content depending on the service name and the cookies it uses.
Cookies policy page
This page explains how we use cookies. It tells the user which cookies are optional or essential and allows users to update their settings.
Example of the cookies policy page
The Yes/No radio button options are empty by default. After the user has selected an option and selected “save and continue” that option will be pre-selected if they return to the page.

Cookies details page
This page gives more details on the cookies the service uses, including their name and duration. The content for this page will need to be tailored to individual services.
Example of the cookies details page
“Cookies” link in footer
A link to the cookies policy page is displayed in the footer of every page of the service.

Technical guidance
Cookies should be enabled without a page refresh after a user has accepted them. Enabling Google Analytics and Google Tag Manager cookies with a page refresh will mean referral traffic will be converted to direct traffic.
If the user accepts cookies but then updates their settings to reject them, any cookies already placed on the user’s browser must be removed.
Research on this pattern
This pattern was created by Apply for help arranging child maintenance. It is based on the NHS consent mechanism.
Services using this pattern:
- Apply for help arranging child maintenance
- Apply for New Style Jobseeker's Allowance
- Apply for New Style Employment and Support Allowance
- Find a job
- Apply for Pension Credit
- Video appointment service
- Repay my debt
More research is needed on the pattern. If you have used this pattern, get in touch to share your user research findings.
Next steps
Research is needed on:
- users understanding on consent and cookies
- if there is an impact the current layout has on mobile users
- how long the banner should persist through a service if a user does not select an option
More development work is needed on how the cookie consent pattern should work for users that have javascript turned off.
Get in touch
If you’ve got a question, idea or suggestion email the Design System team on dwp-design-system@engineering.digital.dwp.gov.uk