Last updated: August 2026
Introduction
This Cookie Policy explains how the Diabetic Stiff Man Syndrome Interest Group (DSMIG) uses cookies and similar technologies on our websites.
DSMIG operates two closely connected websites:
- www.dsmig.org.uk – information about Stiff Person Syndrome (SPS), membership, resources and events.
- store.dsmig.org.uk – our online store for event ticket sales and other purchases.
Although these websites are separate, they operate together as part of the same organisation. Depending on the services you use, cookies may be placed by one or both websites to provide membership services, online purchases, event ticketing, website security and anonymous website analytics.
Cookies are small text files placed on your computer, tablet or mobile device when you visit a website. They help websites function correctly, improve security, remember your preferences and provide information about how visitors use the site.
Where required by law, we will ask for your consent before placing non-essential cookies on your device.
Types of Cookies We Use
Strictly Necessary Cookies
These cookies are essential for the operation of our websites and cannot be disabled through our cookie settings.
They are used to:
- maintain secure login sessions
- provide access to members-only content
- remember your cookie consent choices
- keep shopping basket and checkout functions working correctly
- protect the websites from malicious activity and automated attacks
- maintain essential website functionality
Without these cookies, some areas of our websites may not function correctly.
Analytics Cookies
With your consent, analytics cookies help us understand how visitors use our websites.
They allow us to understand:
- how many people visit the websites
- which pages are viewed most frequently
- how visitors move around the websites
- how visitors arrive at the websites
- whether any pages need improving
This information is used only to improve the websites and the services we provide.
Functional Cookies
These cookies remember choices you make, such as your login session or other preferences, making future visits more convenient.
Services That May Use Cookies
Google Analytics 4 (GA4)
We use Google Analytics 4 to help us understand how visitors use our websites.
Google Analytics may collect information such as:
- pages viewed
- approximate location (country or region)
- device type
- browser type
- referring website
- time spent on pages
Google Analytics does not provide us with your name or contact details through cookies.
Typical cookies include:
| Cookie | Purpose | Typical Duration |
|---|---|---|
| _ga | Distinguishes visitors | Up to 2 years |
| ga* | Maintains session state | Up to 2 years |
Further information:
https://policies.google.com/privacy
Independent Analytics
We also use Independent Analytics, a privacy-focused website analytics system.
Independent Analytics helps us understand website usage while minimising the collection of personal information.
Paid Memberships Pro
The main DSMIG website uses Paid Memberships Pro to manage member accounts.
If you log in as a member, cookies are used to:
- keep you signed in
- identify your membership session
- provide access to members-only content
These cookies are essential for the membership system to function correctly.
WooCommerce
Our online store uses WooCommerce to provide shopping basket and checkout functionality.
WooCommerce may use cookies to:
- remember the contents of your basket
- remember your checkout session
- enable purchases
- support customer account features
These cookies are necessary for the online store to function.
Tickera
The online store uses Tickera for event ticket management.
Tickera may use cookies where necessary to support ticket purchasing and ticket delivery.
Stripe
Payments made through the online store are securely processed by Stripe.
Stripe may use cookies or similar technologies as part of its fraud prevention and payment security systems.
For more information:
Wordfence Security
Both websites use Wordfence Security.
Wordfence may place cookies to:
- identify trusted visitors
- detect malicious behaviour
- protect login pages
- improve website security
These cookies are considered essential for protecting the websites.
Mailchimp
If you choose to subscribe to our mailing list, Mailchimp may use cookies relating to newsletter subscriptions and marketing preferences.
More information:
https://mailchimp.com/legal/privacy/
Typical Cookies
The exact cookies used may change as plugins and services are updated. Examples include:
| Cookie | Purpose | Typical Duration |
|---|---|---|
| _ga | Google Analytics visitor identification | Up to 2 years |
| ga* | Google Analytics session information | Up to 2 years |
| WordPress login cookies | Member login session | Session |
| Wordfence cookies | Website security | Varies |
| WooCommerce cookies | Shopping basket and checkout | Session or a few days |
| Cookie consent cookie | Remembers your consent choices | Up to 12 months |
Managing Cookies
You can control or delete cookies through your web browser settings.
Most browsers allow you to:
- view stored cookies
- delete existing cookies
- block all cookies
- block cookies from specific websites
Please note that blocking essential cookies may prevent parts of our websites from functioning correctly, including member logins and the online store.
Changes to This Cookie Policy
We may update this Cookie Policy from time to time to reflect changes to our websites, legislation or the services we use.
Any updates will be published on this page.
Contact Us
If you have any questions about this Cookie Policy or our use of cookies, please contact us using the contact details provided on the DSMIG website.
You can also read our Privacy Policy for further information about how we collect, use and protect personal information.