As Chief Executive of the LGBT Foundation, Paul has been at the vanguard of LGBTQ+ rights and services in the UK for over 30 years. He is not only a tireless advocate but also, quite simply, part of the fabric of queer culture in Manchester. He is a campaigner and a diplomat, someone who speaks truth to power while ensuring he has a seat at the table to effect real and lasting change.

Founded under Paul’s leadership, LGBT Foundation has become the largest LGBT service provider in the UK, delivering a remarkable range of services including:

A national helpline

Sexual health clinics and the world’s longest-running free condom distribution programme

Drug and alcohol support

Domestic abuse services

Talking therapies and mental health support

Dementia and older people’s services

Village Angels community safety volunteers

The Indigo Gender Service for trans and non-binary people

A host of community-based projects aimed at connection and celebration

Through these services and more, LGBT Foundation supports over 45,000 people a year, and has now reached more than one million individuals since its inception.

Paul has never been content with the status quo. His relentless drive for progress has helped shape national policy and improve lives in profound ways. Two recent examples of his influence include:

Leading a campaign that successfully saw the NHS begin to monitor sexual orientation, driving greater accountability and visibility in health services.

Playing a pivotal role in the inclusion of sexual orientation and gender identity questions in the UK census, giving us, for the first time, meaningful data about the size and needs of our LGBTQ+ communities.

Paul has advised governments of all political persuasions and recently served on the Government’s LGBT Advisory Panel. He has consistently modelled how to lead an inclusive organisation that tackles politically charged, emotionally complex, and socially vital work, with both clarity and compassion.

With accolades that include an OBE, a Lifetime Achievement Award from the LGBT Awards, an honorary doctorate from Bolton University, and countless appearances on national LGBTQ+ power lists, Paul’s contribution is already well recognised and his greatest achievement is the culture of hope, equity, and inclusion he’s helped build — not just in Manchester, but nationally.