ISO 27701 Consultancy | Privacy Information Management Systems (GDPR)
AJC provides end-to-end ISO 27701 consultancy, supporting organisations through implementation, certification audits, surveillance audits, and ongoing compliance. Our ISO 27701 consultancy is practical, tailored, and designed to deliver audit-ready privacy information management systems (PIMS) that support GDPR compliance, accountability, and effective personal data protection.
ISO/IEC 27701 is the internationally recognised standard for privacy information management. It extends ISO 27001 and ISO 27002, providing a structured framework for managing personal data and demonstrating compliance with data protection regulations such as GDPR.
How We Support ISO 27701 Certification
Our ISO 27701 consultancy follows a clear, structured process to ensure certification is achieved efficiently and with minimal disruption
Initial Consultation
We work with your team to understand how personal data is collected, processed, stored, and shared across your organisation. This includes reviewing roles as a data controller and/or data processor, regulatory obligations, and existing information security arrangements.
ISO 27701 Gap Analysis
We assess your existing ISO 27001 information security management system and privacy controls against ISO 27701 requirements. You receive clear, prioritised actions covering privacy governance, lawful processing, data subject rights, and third-party management.
Tailored ISO 27701 Implementation
We implement ISO 27701–compliant policies, procedures, and controls aligned to how your organisation actually handles personal data. Systems are practical, proportionate, and fully aligned with certification body expectations and GDPR requirements.
Certification & Ongoing Support
We conduct internal audits, prepare your team for the certification audit, and support you through Stage 1 and Stage 2 audits. Post-certification, we provide ongoing support for surveillance audits, regulatory changes, and continual improvement of privacy management controls.
What is ISO 27701?
ISO/IEC 27701 is the international standard for Privacy Information Management Systems (PIMS). It builds on ISO 27001 by introducing additional controls focused on the protection of personally identifiable information (PII).
ISO 27701 certification demonstrates a commitment to:
GDPR and data protection accountability
Lawful, transparent processing of personal data
Effective management of data subject rights
Privacy-by-design and privacy-by-default principles
The standard applies to organisations of all sizes that process personal data, whether as a data controller, data processor, or both.
Relationship Between ISO 27701 and GDPR
ISO 27701 does not replace GDPR. Instead, it provides a structured, auditable framework for demonstrating GDPR compliance.
ISO 27701 helps organisations:
- Evidence compliance to regulators, customers, and partners
- Embed GDPR controls into day-to-day operations
- Reduce the risk of non-compliance, complaints, and enforcement action
Certification offers independent assurance that privacy controls are designed, implemented, and maintained effectively.
Common Challenges & Audit Pitfalls with ISO 27701
Organisations implementing ISO 27701 often encounter avoidable issues, particularly where GDPR compliance has been informal or undocumented.
Common challenges include:
Unclear controller and processor responsibilities
Organisations struggle to clearly define obligations across different processing activities and third-party relationships.
Weak documentation of lawful processing
Legal bases, retention periods, and purpose limitation are not consistently defined or evidenced.
Poor handling of data subject rights
Processes for access requests, erasure, or rectification are incomplete or untested.
Inadequate supplier and processor controls
Third-party data processors are not properly assessed, monitored, or contractually controlled.
Over-reliance on policies without operational controls
Documentation exists, but staff awareness, monitoring, and review processes are weak.
Our consultant-led approach ensures ISO 27701 controls are embedded into existing governance structures, not layered on as paperwork.
Who Needs ISO 27701?
ISO 27701 is suitable for organisations of all sizes that process personal data and want to demonstrate strong privacy governance.
It is particularly beneficial for organisations looking to:
- Demonstrate GDPR compliance to customers and regulators
- Strengthen accountability for personal data processing
- Reduce privacy and regulatory risk
- Support tendering, assurance, and supply chain requirements
Industries We Commonly Support
Technology & Software – Manage customer and user data responsibly
Professional & Technical Services – Demonstrate privacy governance and compliance
Financial & Regulated Sectors – Strengthen data protection assurance
Healthcare & Education – Protect sensitive personal and special category data
Benefits of ISO 27701 Certification
Achieving ISO 27701 certification delivers both regulatory and commercial benefits, including:
Clear accountability for personal data processing
Stronger GDPR compliance and evidence
Reduced risk of data breaches and enforcement action
Increased trust from customers, partners, and regulators
Enhanced credibility in tenders and contracts
ISO 27701 provides a structured, auditable approach to managing privacy risk across your organisation.
How Much Does ISO 27701 Certification Cost?
The cost of ISO 27701 certification varies depending on factors such as:
Size of your organisation
Complexity of operations and environmental aspects
Number of employees
Single-site or multi-site structure
Choice of accredited or unaccredited certification body
Costs typically include ISO consultancy support, certification audit fees, and ongoing surveillance audits. Organisations with an established ISO 27001 system often achieve ISO 27701 certification with reduced effort.
ISO 27701 certification is a cost-effective investment that delivers long-term value through improved privacy governance and regulatory confidence.
Book a Free ISO 27701 Consultation
If you’re unsure whether ISO 27701 is right for your organisation, we can help you understand the requirements, costs, and timescales with no obligation.
We support UK organisations and international businesses with clear, consultant-led ISO 27701 guidance tailored to how you operate.
Book a free ISO 27701 consultation today to discuss your next steps with an experienced ISO consultant.