Item 7 - Appendix 1 - Herbert Protocol Presentation
West Dunbartonshire Council · 22 May 2025
Back to Community Planning West Dunbartonshire Management Board — 22 May 2025 and its agenda
Text extracted from the council's PDF. Layout and reading order may differ from the original.
Page 1
The Herbert Protocol ITEM 7 - APPENDIX 1
Page 2
• Nationally recognised scheme supported and endorsed by Police Scotland, Alzheimer Scotland, Scottish Government and Health & Social Care Scotland. • 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. • Initiative was first developed by Norfolk Police in 2011 and implemented by many areas in UK since. • Nationally launched across Scotland on 21 September 2021 and adopted by both West Dunbartonshire Council and Argyll and Bute Council prior to this. What is “The Herbert Protocol”
Page 3
• An information gathering tool that: – Records vital information - where the person grew up, favourite places, former or current hobbies, GP contact details, medication, daily routine, a RECENT photograph with consent to share on social media (if needed). – Completed and retained by carers and families. – Handed to police in event of someone going missing. – Helps police quickly access important information and avoids unnecessary delays in gathering information at a time of crisis.
Page 4
• Any adult who may be at risk of going missing. • This would normally be someone living with dementia or symptoms of the early stages of dementia whether diagnosed or not. Who is “The Herbert Protocol” for?
Page 5
Why Use “The Herbert Protocol”? • People living with dementia often have loss of short term memory but can recall memories from decades earlier. Sometimes those who are reported missing are attempting to make their way to a place of previous significance to them. • Enhances Police ability to respond to a reported incident quickly. • Supportive – as re-assurance for carers and vital information recorded on form for use, if required. • Can be completed at point of diagnosis as part of post-diagnostic support and advanced planning.
Page 6
How is information stored? • Completed Herbert Protocol form is owned and held by family/relatives to share only if the person goes missing – can be electronically stored or kept in place that is easy to retrieve in the home (families being asked to put on fridge with a magnet). • Care homes can choose to add to care plans, with carer consent. • Not held on database centrally (to ensure information is kept up to date and comply with data protection). • Option for completed forms to be stored in jar in person’s fridge with Herbert Protocol label attached. Useful for people who have no next of kin or family/friends able to assist with form storage.
Page 7
What can CPP Management Committee do? Please spread awareness of the Herbert Protocol • Through internal memos/intranet • Social media • Community Councils • Hang poster in public areas • Recommend the form to any persons (family, friends, members of the public) where applicable
Page 8
Where will family find the form Blank forms are available to the public on the Police Scotland website under Missing Person or through Herbert Protocol Form download
Page 9
NHS The majority of GP surgeries and hospitals in the WDC area have this poster displayed in public areas, the QR code downloads the form automatically.
Page 10
Where can I go for more information? • The launch of the Herbert Protocol has been carried out throughout both Local Authorities, Health and Social Care Partnerships and Third Sector Partners is being coordinated by the Community Engagement Team. • For more information or for any resources please contact PC Martin McKenna Missing Person Co- Ordinator • Martin.mckenna@scotland.police.uk