A cookie, also known as an HTTP cookie, web cookie, or browser cookie, is a piece of data stored by a website on a user’s computer by a browser, and then subsequently sent back to the same website by the browser.

 

Cookies fulfil different roles within our website. Some are required for site functionality, some allow us to analyse how our site is used and some are from third parties (i.e. Google Maps).

Cookies make browsing websites more efficient, give the opportunity for advanced functionality and also allow our website team to analyse how the site is used (through the use of Google Analytics for example).

 

Firstly, it’s important to note that we do not collect any data that can identify a unique user or collate any contact data on an individual (unless, of course, you volunteer such information via an enquiry form or newsletter sign-up).
 

We use Google Analytics to track how anonymous users make use of our site. The data we receive allows us to ensure our site remains easy to use, fully functional and gives users, such as yourself, the best possible experience.

 

The ICO (Information Commissioner’s Office) and UK Government are now enforcing the E-Privacy Directive. The E-Privacy Directive is an EU based directive aimed at privacy protection in a digital environment.
 

The directive’s aim is to inform and educate web users on what cookies are, which cookies the websites they visit use and what they are for. The premise behind the directive is that users will have more control over their online privacy and gain a greater understanding of any information collected by the website they visit.

 

As noted earlier, our cookies fall into three categories.  Those that are required for website functionality (such as making a donations and buying products), those that allow us to collate and analyse site usage statistics and those that are used by third parties (such as Google Maps).

 

Below is a list of the cookies we use. Some of the functionality based cookies have already been used to ensure you are able to use our site and read this page. If you would like to remove our cookies from your computer, please visit this website for a guide on how to do so.
 

Owner/Domain	Cookie Name	Expires After	Description
Google Analytics	__utma	2 years	A cookie which sets a unique ID per visit
Google Analytics	__utmb	Less than one day	A session cookie set by Google Analytics to determine new visits
Google Analytics	__utmc	At end of session	A session cookie set by Google Analytics to determine new visits
Google Analytics	__utmz	182 days	A cookie which informs Google Analytics which traffic source the visit came from
Google Maps	PREF	1 year	Used by Google Maps to apply any Google User Account preferences
Google Maps	NID	182 days	Used by Google Maps to identify a Google User Account
ShareThis	_stid	1 year	Applied by the functionality we use to allow you to socially share our pages
ShareThis	_uset	At end of session	Applied by the functionality we use to allow you to socially share our pages
ShareThis	UID	2 years	Applied by the functionality we use to allow you to socially share our pages
ShareThis	UIDR	2 years	Applied by the functionality we use to allow you to socially share our pages
www.wakefieldhospice.org	CMSPreferredCulture	1 year	This is a cookie used by the wesbite to determine the culture to display the site in
www.wakefieldhospice.org	ASP.NET_SessionId	Within 30 minutes of session ending	This is a functionally required cookie that sets unique ID for your visit and expires when you leave the site
www.wakefieldhospice.org	CookieAuth	1 year	Applied when you accept our cookie policy by clicking the button across the base of the page
www.wakefieldhospice.org	CMSShoppingCart	1 day	Used to remember which products you've added to your basket
www.wakefieldhospice.org	.ASPXFORMSAUTH	Until log out	Used to remember that you are logged into your online shop account

As noted earlier, you can clear the cookies on your browser by following instructions found here. You can also block cookies from our website, or any other site you visit, using your browser settings.
 

Unfortunately, if you chose to take this approach you will no longer be able to view our website as a number of the cookies listed above are critical to the website’s use.

 

If you would like more information on cookies and the ICO’s directive, please visit the ICO website.