At 18, Jimmy Paul set his sights on studying geography at the University of Edinburgh. Today, he leads the critically acclaimed Scottish Violence Reduction Unit (SVRU) and has built a career spanning the health service, charities, and reform of Scotland’s care system. His path to leadership is marked by resilience, self-awareness, and the influence of supportive individuals at pivotal moments.
“Growing up in care, I wasn’t afforded the easiest start in life, but vitally, there were moments along the way where the encouragement and belief of others has helped me to make some really positive decisions that have led me to the position I am in today,” Jimmy reflects.
During a challenging period living in residential care just before university, Jimmy’s teachers stepped up. Their small acts of kindness carried deep meaning. Miss Southwell-Sander kept an eye on him and supported him with anything he needed. With the residential unit lacking a washing machine, Ms Winnicka washed and ironed his clothes each week. Mr Rider welcomed Jimmy into his home with his children (who Jimmy was friends with) and cooked hot meals after school. Mr Rainford, his sports coach, gave him a cheque for £100 to buy a winter coat – all symbols of belief in his future.
“There are more teachers – and friends – that I could mention who have helped me along the way,” he says. “My teachers did that for me at a crucial moment in life and I will always be grateful. Making the world a safer place is my driver because every child deserves help and support to realise their aspirations and to flourish.”
Inspiring change
Jimmy describes his years at Edinburgh as transformative. “Edinburgh was ranked highly for Human Geography at the time – even higher than Oxford in 2008. I chose it for many reasons: its reputation, the city itself, and its status as ‘the birthplace of geography. Additionally, I made lifelong friends at university, and it’s where I met my wife. I will always be grateful for my time there and I remember it with deep fondness.”
Leaving London at 18, Jimmy recognised that Edinburgh could be a springboard into a new life – one focused on making a difference. Specifically, his geography degree provided him with insights into the human decisions that shape societies, the importance of critical thinking, and the value of investing in communities.
“If we’re serious about prevention, we need to invest in communities and thus do more of the things that evidence tells us works,” he says.
Transforming care systems
After graduating in 2012, Jimmy’s passion for social justice led him into the NHS Graduate Management Training Scheme. This involved managing hospitals and strategic projects, before earning an MSc in Integrated Service Improvement at the University of Edinburgh.
He then moved to the Centre for Excellence for Children’s Care and Protection (CELCIS) and later served as co-chair of Scotland’s Independent Care Review. Here he helped to shape ‘The Promise’ – a blueprint for transforming Scotland’s ‘care system’, built on the voices of those with lived experience.
“Playing a role in The Promise is one of the greatest privileges I will ever have in my life,” he says. “There was a strong consensus for change across political parties – a rare and powerful thing in Scottish politics.”
Tackling violence in Scotland
In 2023, at age 33, Jimmy became the youngest ever head of the SVRU. Drawing on his personal and professional journey, he leads efforts to prevent violence and disrupt cycles of harm. He says: “Since John Carnochan and Karyn McCluskey founded it in 2005, the SVRU has worked with others to do some incredible work. Through treating violence as a public health issue, the SVRU has always been clear: we all have a role to play to make our communities safer. Violence is preventable, not inevitable.”
Delivering change for the next generation
Jimmy was honoured as a finalist for the Being Edinburgh Alumni Award. This prize recognises a member of the alumni community who brings the University’s values to life through their actions.
Jimmy remains grateful to those who supported him: teachers, mentors, friends, and his wife, Becky. “With a lot of hard work, the support of kind people and some luck, I am at a good place in life. I have a family and a job that I love. However, luck should never be a factor. Every child deserves safety, supportive relationships, and the chance to realise their dreams. As a result, I’m focused on helping make this a reality for the next generation.”
He adds: “There were many good people along the journey. I want to give a special shout-out to my lecturer and dissertation supervisor, Dan Swanton. He always kept an eye on me. He gave me a bit of extra help when I needed it, especially when I couldn’t focus due to whatever was going on at home. His door was always open for me. Therefore, I’ll always be grateful for Dan’s role in helping me get a first in my dissertation and to secure a 2:1.”
What does it take to succeed in adversity? Jimmy says: “Extreme hard work, drive, and determination, as well as drawing strength from the help and support that people around you offer. Be curious about things and other people, give your time generously, and never let anyone tell you that you cannot achieve your dreams.”
Photo credits: Jimmy Paul
