Jim studied at Edinburgh University and worked for 20 years in the voluntary / community arts sector, including working with and for local residents to build an award winning arts and learning project (Wester Hailes Arts for Leisure and Education) in one of Edinburgh’s most disadvantaged communities. He then turned gamekeeper and his former roles include Chief Executive at Scottish Arts Council and Executive Director North for Arts Council England. He was Executive Director of the Saltire Society for five years and left in 2017 to focus on coaching and consultancy work, including working as Coordinator for Amateo, the European network for active participation in culture.