Non-Executive Director

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.

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 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.

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.

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…