Big Ideas Blog
Solutions for the planet
Solutions for the Planet Launches Big Ideas Programme in Suffolk with New Business Partner, electric vehicle charge point operator, Believ
Three Suffolk schools to benefit from year-long mentoring, enterprise education and real-world business support. Solutions for the Planet is delighted to announce the launch of its Big Ideas Programme in Suffolk for the first time, made possible through a new...
From Big Ideas Finalist to Youth Voice Champion: Rishi Kumar’s 10-Year Journey with Solutions for the Planet
In 2016, Rishi Kumar, a year 7 student who didn't know anyone in a new school, found himself sitting in a Big Ideas Day with no idea what he was about to embark on. Nearly a decade later, Rishi remains actively involved with Solutions for the Planet as a member of our...
Global Goals Week: Why Youth Innovation Is Critical to Achieving the Sustainable Development Goals
As Global Goals Week approaches, Solutions for the Planet explores how youth innovation and youth insight can accelerate progress towards the UN Sustainable Development Goals, helping organisations create more effective sustainability strategies and meaningful long-term impact.
How Sustainability Challenges Build Student Career Skills
Student sustainability challenge programmes are one of the most direct ways to build career-ready skills in UK schools. Instead of learning through a textbook, students tackle real problems alongside business mentors. Solutions for the Planet runs the Big Ideas...
What Is a Youth Climate Partnership for Schools in 2026
A youth climate partnership for schools is an arrangement where businesses and young people work together on real sustainability projects, right from the classroom. Unlike a standard environmental lesson, these partnerships pair students with employee mentors who...
The New Department for Education Enrichment Framework: How the Big Ideas Programme Helps Schools Deliver Against the Benchmarks
The Department for Education's (DfE) new Enrichment Framework for Schools and Colleges places enrichment firmly on the agenda for every school in England. Published in June 2026, the framework provides eight benchmarks that schools can use to evaluate and improve...
Celebrating an Inspirational Educator: Natalie Stewart Receives EUK Education Teacher Award 2025
Great teachers don't just educate. They inspire confidence, nurture ambition, and help young people discover what they are capable of achieving. That's why we're delighted to celebrate Natalie Stewart of Hadley Learning Community, who has been awarded the Big Bang...
Solutions for the Planet Welcomes Two New Non-Executive Directors to Its Board
We are delighted to announce the appointment of Arpit Raghav and Kathryn Lennon-Johnson as Non-Executive Directors of Solutions for the Planet. These appointments mark an exciting step in our journey as we continue to grow our impact, bring young people and businesses...
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....
Raise money for us while you shop online
Did you know that whenever you buy anything online – from your weekly shop to your annual holiday – you could be raising free donations for Solutions for the Planet with easyfundraising?
Click here to find out more…
