What is it? The Institute of Directors (IoD) is the United Kingdom’s oldest organization for professional leaders, still going strong long after its creation in 1903. After 100-plus years in operation, one might think the organization is set in its ways when it comes to membership. But IoD recently announced a new experiment called IoD Advance. The initiative gives a select pool of members access to a suite of new benefits, included curated networks of fellow business directors, leadership panels ready to provide expert advice, four free professional-development courses, and an app to manage all of these perks. For now, the program is available to only 210 current members and 140 new members in London and southeastern England, though plans are in place to expand access next year.

BRAND NEW: Become a founding member of IoD Advance & benefit from valuable extra benefits https://t.co/gfYhwrXmGp pic.twitter.com/7d1cXYIVB3

— IoD (@The_IoD) February 9, 2016

Why it works: IoD has always touted its suite of professional-development courses, networking resources, and learning events. But IoD Advance, for those speedy enough to nab one of the available slots, establishes a more intimate tier of resources for the organization’s 34,500 members.

Other benefits: One of IoD’s biggest membership perks is its exclusive qualification, the Chartered Director. Comprising in-person and online courses, group projects, and custom-tailored programs, the qualification promises to grant those who earn it “the all round skills, knowledge and understanding essential for successfully directing an organization from a strategic perspective.”

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