The Herbert Protocol

Helping Find Vulnerable Missing People Faster

South Yorkshire & Humberside

When a loved one with dementia, memory problems, or mental health difficulties goes missing, the situation is frightening — and time is critical. The Herbert Protocol is a simple but powerful tool designed to help police and search teams act quickly and effectively, improving safety and saving lives.

What Is the Herbert Protocol?

The Herbert Protocol is a pre‑completed information form that carers, family members, or individuals fill in before someone goes missing. It contains vital details that police need immediately at the start of a search, such as recent photographs, routines, favourite places, and medical information.

The protocol is primarily used to support:

• People living with dementia or Alzheimer’s

• Adults with memory loss or confusion

• People experiencing mental health crises

• Other vulnerable adults at risk of going missing

By having this information ready, police do not need to ask distressed families to recall details in an emergency, saving precious time in the earliest and most critical stages of a search. 

Why the Herbert Protocol Is So Important

Police forces across the UK report that people with dementia or mental health challenges are among the highest‑risk missing persons. Delays in gathering information can significantly increase risk.

The Herbert Protocol:

• Enables faster search deployment

• Improves decision‑making for search and rescue

• Reduces distress for families and carers

• Helps locate people before harm occurs

The protocol is named after George Herbert, a former war veteran with dementia who tragically died after going missing — a case that highlighted the urgent need for better early‑stage information sharing.

What Information Does the Herbert Protocol Collect?

The form typically includes:

• Full name and preferred name

• Recent photographs

• Physical description

• Medical conditions and medication

• Daily routines and habits

• Places the person may try to go

• Past addresses, workplaces, or meaningful locations

• Communication needs

• Emergency contacts

This information is only used if the person is reported missing and is handled in line with data‑protection laws by the police. 

Who Should Complete a Herbert Protocol?

You should consider completing a Herbert Protocol if:

• You care for someone with diagnosed or suspected dementia

• Someone has wandered or become lost before

• A person shows signs of confusion, disorientation, or memory loss

• A vulnerable adult lives alone or goes out independently

You do not need to wait for a formal diagnosis to register. 

How to Register for the Herbert Protocol

South Yorkshire

Residents of Sheffield, Barnsley, Doncaster, and Rotherham can access the Herbert Protocol through South Yorkshire Police and local authority partners.

👉 How to register:

1. Download and complete the Herbert Protocol form

2. Store it safely at home

3. Share it with police only if the person goes missing

• South Yorkshire Police – Herbert Protocol Information & Form
  https://www.southyorkshire.police.uk/advice/advice-and-information/missing-person/missing-persons/vulnerable-people-at-risk-of-going-missing/ 

• Sheffield Directory – Herbert Protocol Guidance
  https://www.sheffielddirectory.org.uk/adults/living-independently/support-to-keep-you-independent/staying-safe-and-safeguarding-adults/the-herbert-protocol/ 

Some local schemes may also offer wristbands or tags linked to the protocol, depending on area and eligibility. 

How to Register for the Herbert Protocol

Humberside (Hull, East Riding, North & North East Lincolnshire)

In Humberside, the Herbert Protocol is supported by police, NHS services, and partner organisations working with people affected by dementia and mental ill‑health.

👉 How to register:

1. Complete a Herbert Protocol form via police or partner organisations

2. Keep the form accessible at home

3. Provide it to police immediately if the person goes missing

• Humberside Police – Missing Persons & Vulnerable Adults
  https://www.humberside.police.uk/missing 

• Alzheimer’s Society – Local Dementia Support (Humber Region)
  https://www.alzheimers.org.uk/find-support-near-you

Local dementia advisers or Age UK services can also help families complete the form correctly. 

What Happens If Someone Goes Missing?

If a person goes missing:

• Call 999 immediately — there is no waiting period

• Tell the call handler a Herbert Protocol is available

• Provide the completed form when requested

Police can then use the information to guide search and rescue teams. 

A Simple Step That Saves Lives

Completing a Herbert Protocol does not mean something bad will happen — it means you are prepared.

For many families, it has meant:

• Faster reunions

• Reduced trauma

• Greater peace of mind

Plan ahead. Fill it in once. Hope you never need it — but know it’s there if you do.