Alzbeta Hajdinova
Governance & HR
Meet the Team: Alzbeta Hajdinova
Alzbeta Hajdinova is the HR & Volunteer Coordinator at Athlone Community Radio. Since joining in February 2023, she has played a key role in supporting and developing the station’s volunteers and staff, ensuring a professional, safe, and positive environment. Her extensive professional and life experience enables her to bring a thoughtful and informed approach to her work, making a meaningful impact on the station and its community.
Education
- BA (Hons) in Business Psychology
- BSc in Environmental Health and Safety
- Currently completing Train the Trainer
Work Experience / Volunteer Experience
I have worked across several industries in my life, including the textile industry, hospitality, and healthcare. I believe that all my work experience, combined with my life experiences, is relevant to my current role at ACR. I also believe that every single person in our community serving a radio station uses all their life and professional experiences because only when doing so can they serve the people they want to serve and give a voice to.
How and When Did You Join the Radio Station?
I joined in February 2023 as the Volunteer Coordinator, a role that later expanded to my current position as HR & Volunteer Coordinator.
Work at the Station
Role at the Station:
HR & Volunteer Coordinator
Shows, Projects, or Tasks Managed:
On occasion, I participate in our shows, where I either provide information about current developments in our volunteering activities or discuss other relevant topics.
Daily Responsibilities and Duties:
I am managing the whole volunteer experience cycle, and look after some elements of our staff’s experience, including:
- Attracting a new pool of volunteers by writing and posting vacancy ads
- Interviewing applicants for relevant roles along with the appropriate head of department
- Supporting the culture of positivity for our staff and volunteers
- Ensuring people feel physically and mentally safe at our station
- Identifying volunteer and staff satisfaction levels
- Looking for strategies to improve their experience through discussions with management and department heads
- Ensuring compliance with mandatory requirements and maintaining the station’s policies
- Facilitating Garda vetting
- Performing record keeping and other administrative tasks
Additionally, I will soon start meeting with volunteers to conduct regular appraisals, acknowledging their achievements and identifying their needs. These meetings will provide information about the appropriate support each volunteer requires.
Achievements
Significant Achievements at the Station:
- Increased the number of volunteers during my tenure
- Ensured professional-level communication with volunteers and recognition of their contributions
- Implemented systems for efficient and sustainable data collection and record-keeping
- Nominated a volunteer who won the Volunteer of the Year Award 2023 in the Health and Wellbeing category
- Updated station policies to comply with current national legislation
- Collected anonymous volunteer feedback to identify strengths and gaps in station activities
- Contributed to the implementation of the new strategic plan
Projects or Shows of Pride:
- Participated in Volunteer Ireland’s steering groups on flexible volunteering, resulting in a comprehensive report, e-learning workshops, and the creation of the Volunteer Charter
- Nominated a volunteer who won the Health and Wellbeing category in Volunteer of the Year 2023
- Helped create professional, respectful relationships and a supportive environment at the station
- Drafted the Code of Conduct for ACR Volunteers to maintain and enhance a positive station culture
Awards, Recognitions, or Notable Results:
- Volunteer nominated won Volunteer of the Year Award 2023, Health & Wellbeing category
- Advising member of Volunteer Ireland’s Steering Committee on Flexibility in Volunteering 2023-2024
- Updated ACR policies
- Created the new Code of Conduct for ACR Volunteers
About You
Typical Day at the Station:
The typical day is never truly typical. While I plan my schedule and tasks carefully, unexpected developments often arise, requiring me to adapt quickly, think creatively, and respond on the spot. These challenges are enjoyable and keep my work dynamic, and I always find solutions with the support of colleagues and management.
Favourite Thing About Working in Community Radio:
I love meeting people from diverse backgrounds, supporting their journey at the station, and witnessing their growth and development. I value their life experiences and professional insights, which improve our work daily. I also appreciate the friendships I form with staff and volunteers, whom I admire for their personalities, competencies, and dedication.
Favourite Radio Moment:
- Participation in Volunteer Ireland’s steering group, which led to the development of the report, e-learning workshops, and Volunteer Charter
- My last interview with Dessie on the Spotlight programme, where I felt relaxed and confident, marking significant personal growth since my first interview at the station
Favourite Background Noise When Working:
I prefer silence while working because noise affects my focus. I listen to music when I do not have cognitively demanding tasks.
Last Thing That Made You Laugh:
My grandson’s reaction to receiving Sonic Lego for his birthday.
Magic Pause Button for Life:
I would use it to relive time with my daughters when they were little, enjoying moments I felt too stressed to fully appreciate at the time.
If ACR Was a Sitcom:
I would play the role similar to Ross Geller.
Superpower:
Make people respectful to each other.
Voices or Topics You Hope to Amplify:
I want to highlight people in our local community who help others quietly, showing their value and inspiring others without putting themselves forward.
Message to New Listeners:
I encourage everyone to tune in and join us. ACR is a friendly community focused on connecting people, fostering personal growth, and providing opportunities to develop skills, build relationships, and enjoy meaningful activities.
Alzbeta’s dedication ensures that Athlone Community Radio remains a supportive, safe, and professional space for all volunteers and staff. Her work strengthens the station’s community impact and helps every individual feel valued and heard.