Paul John O'Neill

Diligent, experienced professional and worker, bringing solid transferable experience from healthcare, office based and volunteer settings, as well as experience in leading teams, creative work, local democracy, and working with and managing people. Transferable skills from a variety of areas in both the public and private sector, with success in leading teams, serving people, training colleagues and helping to improve lives. I am looking to channel my skills in new directions and am open to a variety of opportunities, as I prepare to begin a part time Masters degree in September 2026.

• In addition to my professional life I have done extensive volunteer and charity work, including using my professional skills as a member of the Medical & Nursing Team for the Salford Diocesan Pilgrimage to Lourdes, helping to organise and and work on residential trips to France for vulnerable and disabled people.
• Since May 2024 I have been en elected councillor for Rochdale Borough Council, representing North Heywood ward. This has involved being assistant to the Leader of the Council, being a member of scrutiny committees for education, health and social care, and now being Chair of the audit and governance committee, as well as helping shape local policy and carrying out numerous pieces of casework for my residents.
• I am on the board of Trustees for both the local leisure service (YourTrust), and for the East Lancashire Railway.
• I have completed numerous charity events, including numerous 10k runs, four half marathons, two Tough Mudder obstacle challenges, and three 500+ mile cycles through France, raising a significant amount of money for disability and children's charities.
• I am a member, and former local president of, The Catenian Association, a Catholic organisation supporting community, church and fundraising events in my area.
• I have been extensively involved in theatre and performance over many years, including writing and award winning short play at university, directing two short plays, and directing two further full scale musical productions, as well as acting and singing in numerous theatre productions. I am a current active member of Heywood Scribblers creative writing group, and I take weekly acting workshop classes with leading playwright Jim Cartwright and other industry professionals at Cartwright Drama Studio, Manchester.
• I am Chair of Heywood Branch Labour Party and am involved in many local political campaigns and events.
• I have been accepted unconditionally to study for a Masters Degree in Creative Writing: Innovation & Experiment, part time at The University of Salford, from September 2026.