We use small files called ‘cookies’ on layobservers.org. Some are essential to make the site work, some help us to understand how we can improve your experience, and some are set by third parties. You can choose to turn off the non-essential cookies. Which cookies are you happy for us to use?
We use Google Analytics to measure how you use the website so we can improve it based on user needs. We do not allow Google Analytics to use or share the data about how you use this site.
| Name | Purpose | Expires |
|---|---|---|
| _ga | These help us count how many people visit on https://layobservers.org by tracking if you’ve visited before | 2 years |
| _gid | These help us count how many people visit on https://layobservers.org by tracking if you’ve visited before | 24 hours |
| _gat | These help us to manage how we collect analytics when we have lots of visitors on the site at one time | 10 minutes |
We use Google Analytics to measure how you use the website so we can improve it based on user needs. We do not allow Google Analytics to use or share the data about how you use this site.
| Name | Purpose | Expires |
|---|---|---|
| _ga | Used to distinguish users. | 2 years |
| _ga_Z23GRW2RH9 | Used to persist session state. | 2 years |
We have no control over cookies set by third parties. You can turn them off, but not through us.
| Name | Purpose | Expires |
|---|---|---|
| YouTube | YouTube videos play in privacy-enhanced mode. This mode may set third-party cookies on your computer when you click on the YouTube video player. These cookies will not be personally identifiable. | Read the YouTube policy |
| Vimeo | Vimeo videos set third-party cookies to enable the video to play and collect analytics data. These cookies do not track individuals. | Read the Vimeo policy |
If you share a link to a page, the service you share it on (for example, Facebook) may set a cookie.
| Name | Purpose | Expires |
|---|---|---|
| Twitter widgets may add cookies to help analyse usage and remember your session if you are also logged in to your Twitter account. | Read the Twitter policy |
Always on
These cookies will always need to be on because they make our site work.
| Name | Purpose | Expires |
|---|---|---|
| wordpress_test_cookie | This is used to test whether the browser accepts cookies | When you close your browser |
| PHPSESSID | This is used to link your device to the information sent to the server from your browser. It is typically used to avoid you having to retype information when moving from one page to another. | When you close your browser |
| ccfw-banner-hidden | Lets us know you have chosen which cookies are used so we can stop the cookie banner appearing when you return to the site. | 1 year |
| ccfw-gtm-allowed | Lets us know you have accepted certain cookies so we can stop them loading when you return to the site. | 1 year |
| ccfw-time | This is used to store the cookie expiry dates so we know when to ask you again for consent. | 1 year |
| info_banner_dismissed | This remembers if an information banner has been dismissed and prevents it from being displayed again. | When you close your browser |
These cookies will always need to be on because they make our site work.
| Name | Purpose | Expires |
|---|---|---|
| wordpress_[hash] | This authenticates you when you log in to the admin area | When you close your browser |
| wordpress_logged_in | This shows the site that you’re logged in and who you are so you can access the functions you need | When you close your browser |
| wordpress_sec | If you are logged in as a site admin, this stores your authentication details. | When you close your browser |
| wp-settings-{time}-[UID] | The number on the end [UID] is your individual user ID from the users database. | 1 year |
All content is available under the Open Government Licence v3.0, except where otherwise stated.
To view this licence, visit:
https://nationalarchives.gov.uk/doc/open-government-licence/version/3
or write to:
Information Policy Team,
The National Archives,
Kew,
London TW9 4DU
or email: psi@nationalarchives.gov.uk.
This publication is available at:
https://layobservers.org.
© Crown copyright
LO Application Guidance Spring 2025 (PDF, 256.7 KB)
Information on how to apply to the Lay Observers, including an overview of the application process.
A guide to applying to volunteer with the Lay Observers.