Jim has taught at the University of Lincoln for over 20 years on a variety of health and social care programmes, largely those relating to social work. He is currently programme leader for professional post graduate courses relating to mental health and mental capacity.

In terms of research activity, Jim has published a number of systematic reviews, including reviews on substance misuse during the Covid-19 pandemic; gambling and primary care; and gambling and suicide. He has conducted primary research in a range of settings including care homes, mutual help groups, and homelessness services. He has led or been part of teams involved in a number of service reviews.

Jim has co-authored two social work textbooks; Social Work in a Digital Society (2012) and Social Work with Adults (2015).

Jim was recently appointed co-chair of a national academic forum for the study of gambling, a new body aimed at developing and promoting research on the subject.