? 1. Initial Consultation & Understanding Organizational Context
Objective:
To understand your business, data processing activities, industry sector, and privacy risks.
Consultancy Actions:
- Conduct stakeholder meetings
- Identify whether your organization is a data controller, processor, or both
- Understand legal, regulatory, and contractual privacy obligations
- Define the scope of the PIMS
? 2. Gap Analysis / Privacy Risk Assessment
Objective:
To assess the current state of your information security and privacy practices against ISO 27701 requirements.
Consultancy Actions:
- Perform a comprehensive gap analysis based on ISO 27001 and ISO 27701 controls
- Identify areas where your organization does not meet the required controls
- Evaluate existing privacy risks and data processing activities
- Generate a risk treatment and compliance roadmap
? 3. Project Planning and Resource Allocation
Objective:
To establish a project plan with defined timelines, roles, and responsibilities.
Consultancy Actions:
- Define implementation phases and milestones
- Form an internal implementation team
- Assign Data Protection Officers (DPO) or privacy leads
- Establish governance structure for the PIMS
? 4. Design and Documentation of PIMS
Objective:
To develop all necessary documentation for ISO 27701 compliance.
Key Documents Created/Updated:
- PIMS Policy and Objectives
- Risk Assessment Methodology
- Data Inventory and Mapping
- Privacy Impact Assessments (PIAs)
- Third-party Processor Agreements
- Data Subject Rights Procedures
- Consent Management Policies
- Data Breach Notification Procedures
- Training and Awareness Programs
- Roles and Responsibilities of PII Controllers/Processors
Consultants ensure all documents are tailored to the organization’s structure and regulatory obligations.
? 5. Implementation of PIMS Controls
Objective:
To operationalize the documented policies and ensure controls are practically implemented.
Consultancy Actions:
- Train employees on privacy principles and security awareness
- Implement technical and organizational measures for PII protection
- Establish procedures for handling consent, data subject requests, and breach notifications
- Ensure IT systems and third parties comply with privacy practices
- Develop audit trails and evidence logs
This stage ensures your team understands and follows privacy practices across the organization.
? 6. Internal Audit and Management Review
Objective:
To evaluate the effectiveness of the implemented PIMS and prepare for the certification audit.
Consultancy Actions:
- Conduct an internal audit against ISO 27701 requirements
- Identify and resolve any non-conformities
- Facilitate management review meetings to assess performance and define improvement actions
- Verify implementation of corrective actions
This is a key step in ensuring readiness for third-party certification.
? 7. Pre-Certification Audit (Optional but Recommended)
Objective:
To simulate the actual certification audit and build confidence.
Consultancy Actions:
- Perform a mock audit using real-life scenarios
- Test documentation, processes, and compliance
- Address any last-minute gaps or weaknesses
- Ensure audit readiness across departments
? 8. ISO 27701 Certification Audit (By Accredited Body)
Objective:
To get certified by an accredited ISO certification body.
Certification Body Activities:
- Stage 1 Audit: Document review and scope confirmation
- Stage 2 Audit: Detailed on-site evaluation of implemented PIMS
The ISO consultant coordinates with the auditor and your internal team during the process to ensure a smooth certification audit.
? 9. Post-Certification Support & Maintenance
Objective:
To ensure the PIMS remains compliant, effective, and up to date.
Consultancy Actions:
- Support during surveillance audits (usually annual)
- Update documentation based on legal or operational changes
- Conduct regular internal audits and training sessions
- Assist with continuous improvement and corrective actions
- Prepare for re-certification (every 3 years)
✅ Benefits of Using ISO 27701 Consultancy Services
- Expert Guidance: Get access to experienced privacy professionals and ISO experts
- Faster Implementation: Avoid trial-and-error with proven implementation methods
- Customized Solutions: Tailored PIMS design that suits your business size and sector
- Regulatory Compliance: Align with GDPR, CCPA, and other data protection laws
- Risk Mitigation: Reduce chances of data breaches, legal fines, and reputational damage
- Increased Trust: Improve customer and partner confidence in your data handling practices
✅ Industries That Benefit from ISO 27701 Certification
- IT & Cloud Service Providers
- Healthcare & Pharmaceuticals
- Finance & Insurance
- E-commerce & Retail
- Education & EdTech Platforms
- HR & Payroll Outsourcing Firms
- Legal and Consultancy Services
Any organization that processes, stores, or transmits personal information can significantly benefit from ISO 27701.
✅ Conclusion
The growing importance of privacy management has made ISO 27701 a vital standard for organizations worldwide. However, implementing a Privacy Information Management System requires expertise, planning, and ongoing commitment. By partnering with an experienced ISO 27701 consultancy service provider, businesses can ensure a smooth and successful path to certification.
From initial gap analysis to final audit support and post-certification maintenance, ISO consultants streamline the entire journey—saving time, reducing risk, and ensuring compliance with global privacy regulations.
? Need Help with ISO 27701 Certification?
We provide expert ISO 27701 certification consultancy services tailored for organizations of all sizes and industries. Whether you're a data controller, processor, or both—we’ll help you build a robust privacy framework aligned with global standards and regulatory expectations.
? Contact us today to schedule a free consultation and take the first step toward privacy excellence!
