What is the Herbert Protocol?

The Herbert Protocol is a scheme adopted by several police forces within England & Wales in partnership with Local Authorities and other agencies. It is a simple risk reduction tool to be used in the event that an adult with care and support is reported missing. It is named after George Herbert, a war veteran of the Normandy landings, who lived with dementia. Whilst commonly associated with dementia, it can be used for other vulnerabilities.

The protocol consists of a simple form that contains valuable information about the person that can be passed to the police at the point they are reported missing. It is not designed to replace existing safeguarding and security measures. Recording this information ahead of time and keeping it regularly updated will greatly reduce stress associated with trying to recall detailed information in an emergency. It will also save valuable time. Police research shows that fatalities decrease significantly when a person is found within 12 hours of the ‘last time seen’. Delays in initiating a search can be affected by several factors:

• the time it takes for the family/caregiver to notice or realise the person is missing
• the time it takes to contact the police
• the initial police response
• the time it takes to gain the information about the person and intelligence about where they may have gone (this will inform the search parameters)
• the time that police take to initiate a formal planned search
• the time it takes to commence the search

When someone with dementia goes missing, the safeguarding clock is ticking. The protocol can help reduce delays in mounting an effective search response.

What goes on the form?

Whilst there will be some regional variations between forms, the content rarely differs. Information that will be required includes:

• basic details – including full name, nicknames, age, gender, race and ethnicity
• physical description – including build, height, weight, hair colour and style and distinguishing features
• physical capabilities and mobility – including eyesight, hearing, ability to communicate, physical disabilities, mobility aids and access to vehicles
• medical history – including health conditions, essential medication, effects if medication not taken
• life history – including previous occupations, hobbies and interests
• places – including favourite places frequented, routes taken and significant places in the past
• technology – whether they have on them a tracker, other GPS enabled device or a mobile phone
• significant people – including important contacts e.g. carer, family, friends and professional such as GP
• additional information – including whether they have any fears, how are they with being touched, how they may react to loud noise, the best way to approach them when found etc

The form should be completed and regularly updated, so that all the information is as relevant as possible. It is essential that a recent photograph of the person is attached.

Dependent on regional variation, some forms may contain a short separate section to record details of the current missing episode. This section can be completed by the individual who is reporting the person missing. However, this does not mean that there should be a delay in contacting police. Alerting the police as soon as possible will maximise the chances of locating the person quickly and safely. It is useful to also tell the police operator that there is a Herbert Protocol person profile available and the location of the document. Information that the police will want to know when they attend includes:

• time and location person last seen and by whom
• clothing – what they were wearing – anything distinctive or easily identifiable
• possessions – have they taken anything significant with them, e.g. mobile, travel card, cash etc.
• triggers – is there anything that may have prompted the person to go such as a recent significant date (anniversary – birth/death), any recent conversation by the person indicating that they have been thinking or reminiscing about a particular place/person

Past Memories – It is extremely important to establish where possible, any potential motivations for a person’s wandering.  Many people living with dementia rely heavily on past memories. This means they could be more actively engaged with a different time period of their lives. This can impact on where they may travel to, for they may be intent on heading to a place they previously lived or to visit a friend or relative who may now be deceased. Many of the goal-driven individuals in this group are quite capable of achieving their goals. Information about places of significance can include:

• previous addresses
• previous places of work
• places of worship
• places where they have an interest e.g. parks, beauty spots, railways, transport hubs, airports, football stadium
• cemeteries where relatives are buried or favourite places to spend their free time
• previous locations where they have been found if previously been wandering

Who is responsible for completing the form?

The Herbert Protocol form should be completed by the individual(s) who know the person best. This may be either a care provider, a family member, a close associate, or in some cases by the person themselves. In a care setting, the care provider should seek permission from either the person at risk or their next of kin. If this isn’t possible then the care provider should make a ‘best interests’ assessment. The form should be updated on a regular basis, whenever there is a change to the person’s circumstances.

Where should the form be kept?

The form should be kept in a safe place within the care setting, but where it is easily accessible and can be found quickly. A common place for the protocol and similar forms to be kept is behind the person’s front door or attached to their fridge. It is only necessary to provide the form to the police at the point the person is reported missing. There is no need to hand it to police before then and the original form should be returned once the person is found. It is a tool for the police to help find the person safely and any information obtained by the police is subject to data protection principles.

How do I find out if the Herbert Protocol exists in my area and how do I get the form?

The protocol operates within many police and local authority areas, but not all. The best way to find out if a scheme operates in your area is to type in ‘The Herbert Protocol’ and your local police into a search engine. All forces that operate the scheme should have forms that can be downloaded. For those people without printers, we advise that you contact your local police and arrange for one to be sent, collected or dropped off to you. In some areas they will also be available at GP surgeries, libraries and local authority offices.

In London, you can find more information here: Metpolice Herbert Protocol