Paul was actively involved at the start of the Outdoor Partnership in 2004, was elected an affiliated member in 2009 and was Chairman from 2010 – 2015 which led to the formation of The Outdoor Partnership as a charitable company.

He qualified as a teacher at Loughborough Colleges in 1971. In 1973 he moved from teaching to the emerging local authority leisure industry managing theatres, leisure centre and swimming pools. He moved to North Wales in 1986 where he worked for 23 years until retiring as Head of Leisure and Community Development for Conwy Council. He holds a Mountain Leader Award and has an Honorary Degree from Loughborough University. .

From 1977 until 1991 he orienteered at national and international level including a period as the Welsh Orienteering captain. He has also represented GB in the equestrian sport of TREC. His many outdoor interests over the years included fell running, rock climbing, winter mountaineering and Mountain Rescue. Paul now runs a smallholding in Betws yn Rhos for horses and rare breed sheep with his wife, Jenni.