Herbert Protocol

The Herbert Protocol is a national scheme introduced by the police in partnership with other agencies to encourage carers to compile useful information which could be used to help locate a vulnerable person if they go missing.

The initiative is named after George Herbert, a war veteran of the Normandy landings, who lived with dementia. George Herbert died whilst 'missing', trying to find his childhood home.

What is the Herbert Protocol?

It 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 vital information about a person at risk that can be passed to the police at the point the person is reported missing.

A recent photograph of the person should also be kept with the form. It is not intended to replace existing safeguarding and security measures.

Who decides who is at risk?

The judgement should be based on your professional opinion or knowledge of your family member.

Who completes the form?

In a care setting, the care provider, the person at risk or their family can fill in the form. Please seek permission from the person at risk or their next of kin.

If neither is possible, the care provider should make a 'best interests' assessment.

The form should be completed and regularly updated, so that all the information is as relevant as possible.

The form below is best accessed and completed using a desktop or laptop computer, or downloaded and completed by hand.

When should the form be given to the police?

The police only need the form at the point the person is reported missing. There is no need to hand it to police before then and the form will be returned once the person is found.

Where should the form be stored?

It should be stored securely in the care setting, in accordance with data protection laws, but where you can find it quickly.

Please make sure other relatives, carers or staff know where it is, and that the person it refers to is part of the Herbert Protocol.

Printed or electronic form?

You can download the form below, a paper copy will need to be handed to the police officer who attends to take the missing person's report.

Alternatively, you can complete the form online on the Safe and Found Online website.

What should a care provider do if the person goes missing?

After you have conducted an 'open door' search of the address, grounds and outbuildings and you believe a person is missing, alert 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.