Dementia Safeguarding Scheme (Herbert Protocol)
The Dementia Safeguarding Scheme incorporates the nationally-recognised Herbert Protocol and enables someone living with dementia, or their next of kin, to provide information that can be used if a person living with dementia goes missing.
Established in 2015, it is the longest-running scheme of its kind in the UK and has been nationally and internationally recognised for the safeguarding benefits it brings to people living with dementia.
Who can register?
This scheme is only available to people who:
- reside in the Avon and Somerset force area
- are living with dementia
Before you register
The information is captured in an online form and is used by the police to help locate vulnerable individuals. Information captured includes:
- medication required
- mobile numbers
- previous addresses and employer details
- places previously located
- a photograph
Providing these details in advance means the next of kin, or carer of the person living with dementia, does not need to remember vital information if they need to report them as a missing person. This helps to reduce their stress at an already anxious time.
You can also provide any locations an individual may have gone. This will help us start our search sooner, as those with dementia may return to meaningful locations, such as childhood homes or places of work.
The form is only available online and we are not able to provide it in any other format due to the way it is processed once submitted.
What happens when you join the Scheme?
You will be asked to provide personal information about the individual. It is important you make sure:
- this information is accurate
- the individual is aware you are completing the form on their behalf
- you have the individual’s consent, if you are not applying for yourself
This information is stored on our police database and will be used if police get a report about the wellbeing of a person who is living with dementia, or if they are reported missing.
As part of the scheme, you can request our assistance devices which we provide free of charge for eligible individuals living with dementia.
The scheme provides Tile Bluetooth tracking devices and NFC wearable wristbands and hangtags, which can be attached to a supplied lanyard.
Tile Bluetooth tracker
Tile trackers use Bluetooth and Life360’s global network of more than 76 million smartphones to assist in locating the Tile when it comes into range.
Key features include:
- Range – the device operates within 100 to 500 feet.
- Privacy – location data is visible only to the registered user or individuals they authorise.
- Battery life – the device lasts up to three years without requiring charging or maintenance.
Each Tile device includes a QR code, which can be easily programmed using the enclosed instructions.
When scanned, the QR code displays details about the wearer and their next of kin.
NFC devices
The NFC devices consist of a hang tag and a wristband.
Both of these store electronic information about the wearer, such as their name and next of kin.
With NFC enabled, the device can be scanned by a smartphone if the person living with dementia needs assistance.
Devices are only available for those with dementia and not any other type of medical condition.
Register for the scheme
If you are living with dementia or are the next of kin or carer of a someone living with dementia, and have their consent, sign up to the scheme via our online form.
To update the registered person’s details, report a change of circumstances to the Dementia Safeguarding scheme.
Additional support for people with dementia
View details of services available to help you.
Report a missing person
If you are concerned someone has gone missing, follow our guidance on how to report a missing person.