Lewis Hamilton helps Willowbank bid fond farewell to manager of 30 years

Willowbank care home – part of the BCG family – marked a heartfelt and historic moment this week as the team bid a fond farewell to long serving Home Manager, Jan Robertson, retiring after an extraordinary career spanning more than three decades in care. And as a huge Formula One enthusiast, the team brought along favourite, Lewis Hamilton, to make her day.

To celebrate her retirement and honour the impact she has had on so many colleagues, residents and families throughout the years, Jan’s team organised a special gathering, including thoughtful gifts, some of her favourite tasty cream cakes. But the ‘icing’ had to be her very own, life-sized cardboard cut-out of Lewis Hamilton in attendance.

Her team are unanimous in describing Jan as an inspiring leader, a steady mentor, and the motivating force that has shaped Willowbank for so many years. As BCG’s longest serving home manager, she has been instrumental to the home’s growth, development, and unwavering commitment to high quality care.

Her leadership extended beyond Willowbank too. In 2010, Jan took on the role of Home Manager at the BCG’s Clement Park home in Dundee, bringing her trademark compassion to a new team. However, Willowbank remained close to her heart, and she returned in 2012 to resume her most cherished role.

The home remains in the safest of hands as Jan leaves the home under the careful watch of close colleague of many years, Karen Ball, who has been stepped up from Deputy to Home Manager.

Jan Robertson said: "It was lovely to mark my time at the home with this lovely gathering of my team. I certainly didn’t expect Lewis Hamilton to be here! What a fun - and much-appreciated – memento to take away with me. I was touched to receive such thoughtful gifts and a few delicacies from our local bakery!

"It’s hard to believe that I started as a Carer at Willowbank all those years back, and I’ve grown with the home ever since. I’ve been able to be a part of so many positive changes. It has been my life’s honour to work alongside so many remarkable people, and be a part of our residents’ lives – and their families’. I know the home will be in the very best of care in Karen’s hands."

BCG’s Managing Director, Karen Johnson, said: “It’s fair to say this has been an emotional day for the team. As Jan steps into retirement, her legacy will continue to be felt throughout the home, in its culture, its standards, and in the many people she has guided, supported, and inspired along the way.

“From everyone at Willowbank and across BCG: thank you, Jan, for your remarkable service, your leadership, and your heart. Enjoy your well earned retirement doing the things you love.”

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