New Board Member Diane Moss Reflects on Her First Six Months in the Role

Just as the seasons shape the landscape, HF Holidays is shaped by its members. As a co-operative, we’re guided by 12 volunteer directors who ensure your voice — the voice of our community — is heard.

Each year, three directors retire, creating new opportunities for members to step up, shape our strategy, and champion the values that make HF so special.

Diane Moss recently joined our Board of Directors. With a background in organisational governance and a love of the great outdoors, Diane has quickly become an integral part of our co-operative. Here, she reflects on her first six months in the role.

“I joined the board at HF around six months ago but already feel very much part of the team and able to make a valuable contribution.

The board has that rare balance of being convivial but also professional and this makes it an engaging place to be. There are some big-ticket agenda items to discuss and decisions to be made. And, as on every good board, there are diverse views and some healthy and often robust debates. But we can also share a laugh, some good conversation and a drink in the bar afterwards.”

“The board has that rare balance of being convivial but also professional — it’s an engaging place to be.”

Although it is a volunteer role, it is a professional one. It is helpful to bring a specific skill to the table.

My skill set is around organisational governance. Others bring knowledge and experience of accountancy, business development, the tour and travel industry, human resources and so on.

But it is just as important to bring a confident and collaborative attitude to the boardroom. You need confidence to offer a well-thought-out opinion even when it’s a minority view. You need to work together to challenge each other’s thinking respectfully and reach the best decisions for the Society’s members.

Even though I have served on a variety of boards before, the HF board is offering me fresh interest.

The induction was great and helped me hit the ground running. I have already learned a huge amount about the travel, tour and hospitality industry.

I am bringing lots of transferrable skills to the board but am also gaining valuable new experience and knowledge to take back into my other professional roles. It is a win–win opportunity.

“It’s a win–win opportunity — I’m learning just as much as I’m contributing.”

What was I a bit concerned about when I applied and when I was first appointed?

Maybe that the board would be dominated by a certain type. Maybe that it would even be a little dull. Maybe that the small talk would be walking-dominated one-upmanship — people casually dropping, “I ran up Ben Nevis before breakfast last week,” into the conversation.

But it hasn’t been like that at all. Instead, it’s been rewarding to work with others who share the same love of the great outdoors, making a positive difference and — dare I say it — rather enjoying myself along the way.

“It’s been rewarding to work with others who share the same love of the great outdoors — and I’ve rather enjoyed myself along the way.”

At HF Holidays, our Board plays a vital role in ensuring the co-operative continues to thrive for the benefit of all our members.

Diane’s reflections capture the spirit of what makes HF so special — a blend of professionalism, purpose, and a shared love of walking and the great outdoors.

We’re delighted to have her on the journey with us.