Day two of National Safeguarding Adults Week – Herbert Protocol
Welcome to day two of National Safeguarding Adults Week – the aim of which is to create a time where we can all focus on safeguarding adults – so we can be better, together.
Today we are be focusing on raising awareness of the Herbert Protocol.
Help us to raise awareness of this key issue facing adults at risk by:
- learning about the issue from our resources and information
- sharing these resources within your organisation and with the people you meet
- using the #SafeguardingAdultsWeek hashtag on social media to share our resources and let us know what you’re doing
- holding safeguarding events and training
- Share our MSP NSW briefing DAY 2 Herbert Protocol.
This ‘safe and found’ initiative is a national scheme, supported locally by GMP and other local agencies, which aims to give peace of mind to those who care for an adults with care and support needs, including those with dementia or Alzheimer’s, and worry that they may go missing.
What is the Herbert Protocol?
It is a simple risk reduction tool to be used in the event of an adult with care and support needs going missing. It consists of a form that contains vital information about a person at risk that can be passed to the police at the point the person is reported missing.
A recent photograph of the person should also be kept with the form. It is not intended to replace existing safeguarding and security measures.
Who decides who is at risk?
The judgement should be based on your professional opinion; or knowledge of your family member or friend.
Who completes the form?
In a care setting, the care provider, the person at risk or their family can fill in the form. Please seek permission from the person at risk or their next of kin.
If neither is possible, the care provider should make a ‘best interests’ assessment.
The form should be completed and regularly updated, so that all the information is as relevant as possible.
When should the form be sent to the police?
The police only need the form at the point the person is reported missing. There is no need to hand it to police before then and the form will be returned once the person is found.
Where should the form be stored?
It should be stored securely in the care setting, in accordance with data protection laws, but where you can find it quickly.
Printed or electronic form?
You can download the form electronically from www.gmp.police.uk/Herbert – a paper copy will need to be handed to the police officer who attends to take the missing person’s report.
What should a care provider do if the person goes missing?
After you have conducted an ‘open door’ search of the address, grounds and outbuildings and you believe a person is missing, alert the police at the earliest opportunity.
If you believe that the person missing is at a high risk of harm, please call 999. Tell the police operator that you have the Herbert Protocol person profile.
- Find out more on the GMP website at www.gmp.police.uk/Herbert
- Or in our Herbert Protocol & dementia resource.
Safeguarding Adults online learning now available
Online Courses include:
- Dementia Awareness
- Hate Crime
- Mental Capacity Act
- Person Centred Approach in Adults and Social Care Settings
- Safeguarding Adults at Risk
- Working with Adults who Self-Neglect
- and many others.
Please note that courses need to be completed within 4 weeks of registration or a £25 non-completion fee will be payable.
National Safeguarding Week
The trust has collaborated with the SAB Manager Network and The University of Nottingham with the aim of creating a time where we can all focus on safeguarding adults – so we can be better, together.
For more information on the Ann Craft Trust and National Safeguarding Week visit their website at www.anncrafttrust.org/events/national-safeguarding-adults-week/
