ISO 27701: The global standard for Privacy Information Management
ISO CONSULTANCY SERVICES
ISO 27701 is the leading international standard for a Privacy Information Management System (PIMS). It defines requirements for how an organisation systematically manages and protects personal data, building on ISO 27001 to extend information security into privacy governance.
Addressing growing global privacy regulations and expectations, ISO 27701 enables organisations to identify and manage privacy risks, implement appropriate controls, and demonstrate accountability to customers, regulators, and stakeholders through transparent and auditable data protection practices.
ISO 27701 helps organisations implement controls for personal data processing, data subject rights, and privacy impact assessments while supporting continual improvement of privacy management practices.
How ISO 27701 works
ISO 27701 operates through a structured extension of the ISO 27001 Plan–Do–Check–Act (PDCA) cycle to establish and continually improve a Privacy Information Management System.
The process begins with understanding your organisation’s context and identifying personal data processing activities, including the roles of controller and processor. These activities are assessed alongside privacy risks, legal and regulatory requirements such as GDPR, and stakeholder expectations to establish measurable privacy objectives and appropriate controls.
Organisations then implement policies, procedures, and technical controls to manage personal data, allocate responsibilities, and ensure employees have the necessary training and awareness to support privacy practices. Performance is monitored through data protection metrics, internal audits, and management reviews. Any issues are addressed through corrective actions, enabling organisations to continually improve privacy management and strengthen data protection practices over time.
Why ISO 27701 matters for your business
ISO 27701 helps organisations systematically manage privacy risks, protect personal data, and meet growing regulatory and stakeholder expectations around data protection.
- Regulatory compliance: Stay aligned with privacy laws such as GDPR and reduce the risk of fines, legal issues, or reputational damage as data protection regulations continue to evolve.
- Stronger data governance: Improve visibility and control over personal data processing, ensuring clear roles, responsibilities, and accountability across your organisation.
- Enhanced reputation and customer trust: Demonstrating strong privacy practices helps build confidence with customers, partners, and stakeholders who expect responsible handling of personal data.
- Improved risk management: A structured privacy framework enables organisations to identify, assess, and mitigate privacy risks, reducing the likelihood and impact of data breaches or misuse.
- Competitive advantage and market access: ISO 27701 certification supports success in tenders, supplier assessments, and partnerships where robust privacy controls are a requirement.
Ready to get certified? Contact us to speak to an ISO Consultant.
Becoming ISO certified with Economit
We offer a range of industry-standard implementations.
Working with our team of ISO consultants, we’re accredited to implement and audit ISO 9001, ISO 14001, ISO 20000-1, ISO 22301, ISO 27001, ISO 27701, ISO 42001, and ISO 50001. Economit can also support your business through the ISO 45001 certification process and help ensure ongoing compliance and workplace safety after certification is achieved.
We also provide your business with the right support to become Cyber Essentials certified, as well as making sure your business remains compliant and secure post successful certification.
Our team work hard to stay up to date with industry-standard implementations and compliance on your behalf.