Dementia Safeguarding Scheme (Herbert Protocol)

The Dementia Safeguarding Scheme (Herbert Protocol) is a national scheme encouraging carers, family and friends to provide useful information which can be used in the event of a vulnerable person going missing.

The information is captured in a 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:

you do not need to remember vital information if you need to report a missing person, helping to reduce your stress at an already anxious time
we are aware of any locations an individual may have gone so we can start our search sooner, as often those with dementia return to meaningful locations such as childhood homes or places of work.

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 and that the individual is aware you are completing the form on their behalf.

This information is stored on our police database and will be used if you raise a concern about the individual’s wellbeing or to report them missing.

As part of the Scheme, you can request a wearable wristband, hangtag or lanyard with glow-in-the-dark card for the individual which stores electronic information about the wearer, such as their name and next of kin. The device will be scanned by emergency services if the individual is found wandering.

Devices are only available for those with dementia and not any other type of medical condition.

Lanyard with glow-in-the-dark card, hang tag and wristband

Register for the Scheme

If someone you know has dementia, you can sign up for the Scheme online.

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.