Cookies Policy
Last updated: 10 May 2026
This page explains the cookies and similar technologies used on decisionshapers.com, what each one does, how long it lasts, and how you can control them. It supplements our Privacy Policy.
What is a cookie?
A cookie is a small text file that a website asks your browser to store. Cookies remember things between page loads or visits — preferences, sign-in state, anti-bot signals, anonymous usage patterns. Some are essential to the site working at all; others are optional.
This Site also uses localStorage for one specific purpose: remembering your cookie consent choices so we don’t ask you again on every visit. localStorage is similar to a cookie but lives only in your browser and is not transmitted to us with each request.
What we use, by category
Strictly necessary — always on
These are required for the Site to load and stay safe. They are set automatically and do not need consent under UK GDPR.
| Name | Set by | Purpose | Retention |
|---|---|---|---|
__cf_bm | Cloudflare | Bot protection. Distinguishes humans from automated traffic. | 30 minutes |
cookieConsent | This Site (localStorage) | Remembers your choice on the cookie banner. | Until you clear browser storage, or 6 months — whichever is sooner |
Analytics — opt-in
These run only if you have accepted analytics cookies via the cookie banner. You can withdraw consent at any time by clicking “Cookie preferences” in the footer.
| Name | Set by | Purpose | Retention |
|---|---|---|---|
_ga | Google Analytics 4 | Anonymous client identifier. Lets us see which articles are popular and how visitors arrive. | Up to 2 years |
_ga_<id> | Google Analytics 4 | Session state for the GA4 property. | Up to 2 years |
We have configured Google Analytics with IP anonymisation and have not enabled advertising features, signals, or remarketing. Analytics is also currently disabled while the cookie consent infrastructure beds in; the table above describes what will run if you accept once it is enabled.
Marketing and advertising — none
We do not run advertising cookies, retargeting pixels, or third-party social trackers. There is no Meta pixel, no LinkedIn Insight Tag, no Google Ads conversion tracking on this Site.
How to control cookies
You have three independent layers of control:
On this Site. Use the cookie banner that appears on first visit, or the “Cookie preferences” link in the footer at any time, to accept or decline analytics. Strictly necessary cookies cannot be turned off via the banner — they would block the Site from loading — but you can block them in your browser if you accept that pages may not work.
In your browser. Every modern browser lets you block all cookies, block third-party cookies, or clear cookies that are already set. Doing this affects every site you visit, not just ours. Search “[your browser] cookie settings” for instructions.
In Google. If analytics is enabled and you have a Google account, you can also opt out of Google Analytics globally by installing the Google Analytics Opt-out Browser Add-on (tools.google.com/dlpage/gaoptout).
Changes to this policy
If we add or remove cookies, this page will be updated and the “last updated” date will move. If we add a cookie that requires consent, you will see the banner again so you can choose.