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: positivity, purpose, teamwork, creativity, and the courage to show up and give your all.
Recognising the Spirit Behind the Competition
Our special awards highlight the teams who embody what this experience is really about. They allow us to celebrate not just what teams achieve, but how they achieve it – through collaboration, originality, and wholehearted commitment.
At the National Final, we present:
- The Barker Award
- The Schofield Award
- The Jamie Baughan Award
Each carries its own story, its own meaning, and its own way of recognising excellence.
Elaine Barker
Kevin Schofield
Jamie Baughan
The Barker Award
Awarded on the day of the National Final, the Barker Award recognises a team that truly stands out for their presentation and passion.
This award celebrates teams who bring their ideas to life on stage. Those who communicate with energy, authenticity, and belief. It’s about more than delivering a polished pitch; it’s about connecting with the audience and showing genuine passion for their Big Idea.
The Schofield Award
The Schofield Award holds a very special place in our National Final.
Created in memory of our incredible Chair of the Board, mentor, and friend Kevin Schofield, this award celebrates the values he championed so passionately. Kevin believed deeply in radiating positivity, getting stuck in wholeheartedly, and the power of proactivity and collaboration.
This award is presented to a team that truly embodies the spirit of The Big Ideas Programme – a team that demonstrates:
- Positivity in their outlook and approach
- Proactivity in driving their ideas forward
- Collaboration in how they work together and with others
More than anything, the Schofield Award recognises a mindset – one that lifts others up and embraces the experience with energy, purpose, and generosity.
The Jamie Baughan Award
The Jamie Baughan Award is our newest award and also a deeply personal and meaningful part of our National Final.
We created this award in memory of our CEO Jen’s brother, Jamie Baughan – an actor, a creative force, and a beloved full-time member of our team during the COVID-19 pivot – who tragically died at the age of 41 in July 2024.
Jamie brought boundless humour, warmth, and heart to everything he did. His unwavering belief in hope and collaboration left a lasting impact on everyone who had the privilege of working with him. As he so perfectly put it:
“Working at Solutions for the Planet has restored my faith in optimism, positivity and hopefulness.”
The Jamie Baughan Award is for Creative Courage. It celebrates teams whose Big Ideas dare to dream, think differently, and push boundaries. It recognises those who lead with courage from the heart – who aren’t afraid to be bold, imaginative, and hopeful in their thinking.
This award is decided ahead of the National Final and reflects not just a single moment, but the spirit and creativity shown throughout a team’s journey.
More Than a Moment on Stage
These special awards remind us that the National Final is about far more than a final ranking. It’s about the entire Big Ideas Programme journey, the people, and the values that shape every step along the way.
By celebrating passion, creativity, collaboration, and courage, we ensure that every participant has the opportunity to be recognised – not just for what they achieve, but for how they show up.
And in doing so, we continue to honour the spirit of our programme, and the incredible individuals who have helped shape it.