Paul’s Story.

Paul didn’t follow the typical path into education. With a background in biology and years working in international development, his career has always been driven by one question: How can we build systems that help people thrive without costing the earth?

Now, as Chief Finance and Sustainability Officer at HEART Academies Trust, Paul is rewriting the rules of what leadership in education can look like. He’s proving that roles in finance and operations can be powerful levers for change; embedding sustainability into the DNA of schools - not just in policy but in practice.

Paul’s approach is refreshingly grounded. From reducing environmental impact to fostering staff wellbeing, he’s leading the charge to make “people and planet” more than a slogan but instead the foundation of every decision. Beyond his Trust, Paul co-chairs the UK School Sustainability Network’s operations group, helping schools across the country put climate action into motion.

Through his connection with Triple WellBeing, Paul has found a framework that brings it all together: self-care, people-care and earth-care. He’s helping schools realise that sustainability isn’t just something we teach, it’s something we live - every day - through the spaces we shape and the cultures we build.

Listen to the full conversation with Paul.