Summary
The Herbert Protocol is a form to be filled in by the family/carers of those with dementia, containing key information that can be quickly distributed to emergency services in the event they go missing.
Making A Difference
The video embedded below features interviews with staff from the Police/HSCP who deal directly with missing persons/dementia – as well as a story where the Herbert Protocol would have helped in finding someone had it been in place. For more performance data, visit the Performance Report page.
Around 70 percent of individuals with dementia go missing at least once, with 40,000 going missing for the first time each year in the UK. As the dementia population continues to increase, this figure is likely to increase, and each instance of a vulnerable person going missing causes immense stress to their loved ones and requires a swift police response.
It is well known that people living with dementia can experience a loss of short term memory, but can often easily recall memories from decades earlier. Sometimes we find that those who are reported missing are attempting to make their way to a place of previous significance to them.
The Herbert Protocol is a simple risk reduction tool to be used in the event of an adult with care and support needs going missing. It consists of a form that contains a recent photograph and vital information about a person at risk, that can be passed to the police at the point the person is reported missing. It is designed to provide the Police with everything they need to know to find the person who may have gone missing.
The Herbert Protocol is here to give you some reassurance and help keep your loved ones safe, and demonstrates GCHSCP’s commitment to keeping people safe and reflects our aspirations of safe Dementia Friendly Communities in the city.
The Herbert Protocol is named after Normandy veteran George Herbert who lived with dementia. He sadly died in 2011 after he went missing in England looking for his childhood home. The protocol was originally devised by Norfolk Police to compile information about a person which could be used if a vulnerable person goes missing, and has now been adopted across Scotland.
It can be distressing for family members to give important details when their loved one has disappeared so by completing the Herbert Protocol form before any incident occurs, it will allow the police to respond more quickly and to help identify where best to deploy staff and issue appeals on social media and traditional media for any sightings.
For more information on the Herbert Protocol, and to access a copy of the form, visit the Glasgow City Council website here.
If you think someone is missing then search their home address, ground and any outbuildings. If you can’t find them and believe they are missing, then contact the police at the earliest opportunity.
If you believe that the person missing is at a high risk of harm, please call 999. Tell the police operator that you have the Herbert Protocol person profile.
