Paul was appointed Chief Executive of Public Health Scotland in March 2023. Prior to this role, Paul spent eight years as a member of the Executive Team and Corporate Board in the Scottish Government. His responsibilities covered many areas of social policy that impact on health.  He was Director General for Education and Justice between 2015 and 2021.

Paul became Director General for Communities in 2021 with responsibility for social security, housing, equality, human rights, local government, and public service reform.

Paul is a qualified lawyer and joined the Scottish Government in 2000, holding a range of legal and policy roles including a secondment as a Director in the UK Government.