Big Ideas Blog
Solutions for the planet
Guest Blog: Big Ideas, Bright Futures: My Mentoring Journey with Wetherby High School
Guest Blog: Paul Kirby, Big Ideas Programme Mentor, from Northen Gas Networks One of the most powerful aspects of the Big Ideas Programme is the connection between young people and industry mentors who help bring their ideas to life. In this guest blog, Northern Gas...
Why we host the Big Ideas Programme National Final at the Houses of Parliament
Parliament is more than a historic building; it is the heart of British democracy and a place where ideas are debated, policies are shaped, and decisions are made that affect people's lives every day. We have hosted our Big Ideas Programme National Final at the...
The Big Ideas Competition 2026 National Final: The Results
Our BIGGEST ever Big Ideas Programme National Final was an inspiring and unforgettable day, bringing together 62 of the UK’s most passionate young innovators to showcase their ideas for a better future. Following months of hard work, dedication, and creativity, our...
Celebrating More Than Winners: Our Special Awards at the National Final
While the spotlight at our National Final often falls on the Winners and Runners Up, each year, we also proudly present three special awards that go beyond the competition results. These awards celebrate the qualities that truly define The Big Ideas Programme:...
The Big Ideas Competition 2026 National Final
The countdown is on! The Big Ideas Competition 2026 National Final is nearly here. Soon we’ll gather to celebrate the incredible achievements of the young people who have dedicated the last 10 months to developing their Big Ideas. Read on for everything you need to...
The E‑Waste Race: What Happens When We Act Together
At Solutions for the Planet, we’ve always believed that environmental challenges are best tackled together. Not as isolated lessons in a classroom, but as shared experiences that connect young people, families, schools and communities. That principle guides all our...
How One University Campus Tour Revealed the True Impact of Our Work
Written by Beth James, S4TP Marketing and Communications LeadAs Marketing and Communications Lead for Solutions for the Planet, I spend most of my time behind a computer screen but last week I had the chance to step out from behind the laptop and join one of our Big...
Announcing the Big Ideas Competition 2026 National Finalists
After five exciting Regional Finals across the country (including our new Virtual Regional Final, which welcomed teams from Scotland for the first time since 2022) we’re delighted to announce the Big Ideas Competition 2026 National Finalists. Alongside the winners...
Introducing S4TP’s Youth Impact Panel
At Solutions for the Planet, we’ve spent years helping organisations understand, engage with, and learn from young people through our Youth Insights Panels. These panels have shaped sustainability strategies, informed product development, strengthened ESG commitments,...
Listening First: How Our Values Took Shape
[Taken from Jen's Hope in Action LinkedIn Newsletter] This week, at Solutions for the Planet, we launched our refreshed organisational values. This isn’t a rebrand. It’s a reflection. A reflection of who we already are, what we’re learning, and who we’re becoming,...
Introducing Our New 10‑Year Strategy: Youth‑Powered Sustainability
At Solutions for the Planet, we’ve always believed that young people deserve more than a seat at the table, they deserve to help shape the future. Today, we’re excited to share our new 10‑Year Strategy (2026–2036), a long‑term commitment to making that belief a...
Big Ideas Programme 2026: Announcing our Regional Finalists!
We've had a record breaking year this year with 149 submissions to the Big Ideas Competition 2026 - our highest number since before the pandemic! Our 32 shortlising judges certainly had their work cut out for them to whittle the list down to our 57 Regional Finalists....
When a Big Idea GROWS 🌱
Back in 2022, the seed of an idea was planted at a Big Ideas Day. The team wanted to focus on youth mental health, and they named themselves GROWTH (you’ll find out why shortly!). A successful Regional Final saw GROWTH land a place at the Big Ideas Programme National...
Big Ideas Programme 2025 National Final: The Results
The Big Ideas Programme National Final 2025 was an incredible day full of confidence, inspiration and passion! It was an extra special occasion as we presented The Jamie Baughan Award for the first time, in honour of someone who was a very special part of the Solutions for the Planet family.
Announcing our National Finalists for 2025!
After five nail-biting Regional Finals, we’re excited to share the list of teams who’ll be presenting at this year’s National Final in London in July!
Big Ideas Programme 2025: Announcing our Regional Finalists!
It has been a fantastic year so far for the Big Ideas Programme. The quality and range of ideas that were sent in from schools across the country was really quite inspirational! Our 26 shortlisting judges had a tough time deciding which teams would make it to this...
The Gatsby Benchmarks’ 10th Birthday
The Gatsby Benchmarks are a framework for good careers guidance in schools and colleges, developed as part of a 2014 report by Sir John Holman for the Gatsby Foundation. These eight benchmarks are designed to help schools and colleges provide high-quality and...
MPs visit our Big Ideas Finalists!
Our Big Ideas Competition National Final 2024 was special for lots of reasons; firstly it was our 10th National Final, but also, it was set against the backdrop of a pivotal General Election. Not only did this add an exciting buzz to the event, but it meant that we...
Big Ideas Competition 2024 National Final: The Results
Our Big Ideas Competition 2024 National Final was incredibly special. Not only was it our 10th anniversary of the competition, but it was set against the backdrop of a General Election. Where we'd usually hold the event at the Houses of Parliament and be joined by a...
Announcing our Big Ideas Competition 2024 National Finalists!
Find out which teams will be joining us in London for the National Final of the Big Ideas Competition 2024!
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