Paul, who was a manager with County Durham and Darlington Priority Services NHS Trust, originally trained as a nurse specialising in working with people who have learning disabilities. Since his retirement in 2003, Paul has volunteered as a mediator for Unite Mediation Service and a shadow board member for Sedgefield Borough Housing Project. In addition to this, he has supported the Learning Library, South West Durham Social Resource Centre and the executive board of the Local Strategic Partnership.
