In Greater Manchester, the police's Herbert Protocol is completed in advance, which enables people to be safe and found, if they go missing.

Some people living with dementia may go missing if they leave their homes or change their routines unexpectedly. They may have become confused about where they live or errands they need to undertake, particularly with details from other periods in their lives.

The Herbert Protocol allows the families of people living with dementia to prepare in case they go missing. A standardised form can be completed listing places where the person with dementia used to live, work, or enjoy spending time. This can help the police quickly check a number of likely locations where the person living with dementia can be found.

For extra information, evidence and best practice please scroll down to the bottom of the page.

Regional offerings

Herbert Protocol - Supported by Greater Manchester Police

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.
Weblink: https://www.gmp.police.uk/notices/hp/herbert-protocol/

National offerings

Healthwatch

Healthwatch is your health and social care champion. If you use GPs and hospitals, dentists, pharmacies, care homes or other support services, we want to hear about your experiences. As an independent statutory body, we have the power to make sure NHS leaders and other decision makers listen to your feedback and improve standards of care. Last year we helped nearly a million people like you to have your say and get the information and advice you need.
Telephone: Call: 03000 683 000 between the hours of 08:30 – 17:30 Monday to Friday
Email: enquiries@healthwatch.co.uk
Weblink: https://www.healthwatch.co.uk/your-local-healthwatch/list

Evidence

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 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 completed in advance by family/carers. 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.

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.

YouTube video explaining the use of the Herbert Protocol- https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0YOWrSsnt2o

Best Practice Resources

Herbert Protocol leaflet, poster and form to be filled in can all be accessed at https://www.gmp.police.uk/herbert