Keeping Vulnerable Loved Ones Safe

Are you worried about your family members that live alone? How can you protect them?

Let us introduce you to the Herbert protocol Herbert Protocol: Provided by MedicAlert for Dementia UK

What is the Herbert protocol?

The Herbert Protocol is a national safeguarding scheme used by police forces across the UK. It provides a structured way for families, carers, and support professionals to record essential information about a person who may be at risk of going missing.

The form typically includes:

• Personal details
• Description and recent photos
• Medication and medical needs
• Places of importance or past addresses (common “safe spots” people may return to)
• Daily routines
• Contact details for next of kin and carers

In the event that a person is reported missing, the completed form can be handed straight to the police. This allows officers to act immediately, without losing critical time gathering information when stress and panic are already high.

Why does this matter?

Every year, over 40,000 people living with dementia are reported missing. People living with dementia have almost double the chance of being injured.

The Herbert Protocol can:

• Speed up police response times
• Improve the accuracy of search efforts
• Reduce distress for families and carers
• Potentially save lives

Filling in the document may feel overwhelming especially for families already managing complex care needs. Our COP team can:

• Support step‑by‑step completion
• Advise on what information is most important
• Ensure sensitive information is stored securely

We make the process friendly, human, and stress‑free.

Our Court of Protection team

Beyond the form itself, we’re here to help with anything that strengthens the safety and wellbeing of vulnerable people we support, risk assessments, safety planning, and compassionate guidance.

If you would like to discuss your authority as a deputy or attorney, or have any other queries, please contact our experts in the Court of Protection team. We can offer fixed fee appointments for queries, make applications on your behalf, or act long term as a deputy or attorney for your loved ones. We are all the help you need.