Join the Board of the Horticultural Trades Association as a Non-Executive Director Role:
Non-Executive Director Term:
3 years (with potential for renewal) Status:
Voluntary (unpaid) – expenses reimbursed Location:
UK-wide – Board meetings held in various locations
Are you passionate about the future of UK horticulture and are employed by an organisation with HTA membership? Do you want to help shape the strategy of a sector‑leading organisation at the heart of environmental horticulture and garden retail industries?
The
Horticultural Trades Association (HTA)
is seeking
Non‑Executive Directors (NEDs)
to join our Board and contribute their insight, experience, and strategic judgement to support our mission: to promote, support, and nurture our industry to ensure a robust and sustainable future.
About the HTA This is a hugely exciting time for the sector and for the HTA. Gardens and managed green spaces and landscapes have never been more important to the UK – for the economy, for the environment and for the nation’s well‑being.
The HTA has 1,350 members, including garden retailers, growers, landscapers, and suppliers to the garden industry. The HTA lobbies and campaigns for its members within the horticulture industry and has an excellent reputation. We provide our members with the opportunity to learn, innovate, and network with others in the industry.
We have an effective political lobbying team working to enable the best conditions for our members to flourish across the UK and our research and insights team provide impactful data to help our members run productive and resilient businesses.
We have been running the National Garden Gift scheme since 1962. These garden gift cards can be bought and redeemed at HTA Garden centre members sites throughout the UK and can also be purchased online and in some supermarket gift card malls. It is the biggest garden gift card scheme in the country – locking in around £40 million of consumer spend to horticulture and our members’ businesses
Our culture Our culture is built on our values of being Member Focused, Collaborative & Inclusive, Trusted, and Innovative. We put our members at the heart of everything we do, ensuring their needs and aspirations guide our decisions and actions. We foster a collaborative and inclusive environment where every team member’s voice is valued, and diverse perspectives drive creativity and success. Trust is central to our relationships, both internally and externally, and we are committed to acting with integrity and transparency in all that we do. We embrace innovation, continuously seeking new ways to improve and push boundaries, ensuring that we stay ahead of the curve in delivering exceptional service and results.
About the Role As a Non‑Executive Director, you’ll play a critical role in overseeing the governance and strategic direction of the HTA. You’ll bring an independent perspective to Board discussions, act as a champion for our members, and support our Executive Team in delivering long‑term value to the industry.
This is a unique opportunity to contribute to a vibrant, future‑focused sector while working alongside passionate leaders from across horticulture, business, and governance.
What you will bring In line with our governance requirements, this year’s Non‑Executive Director appointments are open only to candidates who are
employed by an organisation that holds active HTA membership.
Candidates must hold, and continue to hold, active HTA membership for the duration of their term as a Non‑Executive Director.
We’re looking for candidates connected to the HTA who:
Have Board‑level or senior leadership experience and are familiar with governance, strategy, or organisational oversight
Have a good understanding of the issues facing the horticultural sector—or a genuine interest in learning
Bring expertise from one or more of the following areas:
Commercial horticulture, garden retail, or landscape services
Finance, audit, or investment
IT systems and emerging technologies
Membership organisations or trade associations
Governance and legal compliance
Think strategically, ask the right questions, and constructively challenge
Have a diplomatic, collaborative approach with a forward‑thinking mindset. Keen to help the HTA evolve and stay relevant to our members.
Care deeply about member representation, sustainability, and sector growth
Have management skills and experience, with excellent commercial awareness
Can commit to attending 4 Board meetings, 1 AGM, and occasional strategy or committee meetings each year
What you’ll gain
The chance to help steer the UK’s horticultural trade association to benefit all its members
Opportunities to connect and build relationships with a diverse network of leaders and businesses
Non‑executive director training run by an accredited body.
Insight into governance and strategy at a national level
The satisfaction of giving back to an industry you care about
We actively welcome and encourage applications from individuals from all backgrounds and sectors of the industry. No formal qualifications are required – we value passion, integrity, and real‑world experience.
How to apply To apply for this role, please send your CV and a brief covering letter outlining your interest and relevant experience to recruitment@hta.org.uk. The deadline for applications is
5pm Friday 29May 2026.
Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis, so early applications are encouraged.
We’re happy to have an informal conversation if you’d like to explore the role before applying.
Be part of the future of UK horticulture. Join us and make a difference. The HTA is committed to embedding diversity, equity and inclusion into our culture and our talent processes. We believe in creating a workplace where our people are treated with dignity and respect, a workplace free of barriers or discrimination. We will make accommodations upon request for candidates wherever needed and practical throughout the hiring process.
Related Documentation Non‑Executive Director Role Profile Click below to download the full role profile
Non‑Executive Director Recruitment Brochure Click below to download the recruitment brochure
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