The recently launched Herbert Protocol is a national scheme that encourages carers, family and friends to provide and put together useful information, which can then be used in the event of a vulnerable person going missing.

Carers, relatives and friends can now complete a form in advance, making note of important information about missing individuals such as contact numbers, medication required, locations the person was last seen etc. A photograph can also be provided, along with information about that person’s daily routine and details about their past.

The form should be completed as soon as possible and can be easily sent or handed to the police in the event of a loved one going missing.

The Herbert Protocol initiative is named after George Herbert, a War veteran of the Normandy landings. Due to his dementia George often went missing and sadly passed away after going missing on his way to his childhood home.

Following his death, Norfolk Constabulary worked with care homes across the county and began to develop the Herbert Protocol.

The scheme is designed to help those caring for someone with dementia pass on essential information about a missing person to the police promptly, reducing the time it takes to gather this information.

Remembering vital information throughout distressing circumstances can be difficult and members of the public often feel pressured answering questions asked by emergency services. The Herbert Protocol aims to relieve some of that pressure and stress.

To find a copy of the form and find out more, please visit the Metropolitan Police website.