GDPR UK
UK regulation for personal data protection compliance
ISO 30301
International standard for management systems for records
Quick Verdict
GDPR UK mandates personal data protection with strict fines and rights enforcement for UK operations, while ISO 30301 provides voluntary records management certification for reliable evidence governance. Companies adopt GDPR UK for legal compliance, ISO 30301 for auditability and efficiency.
GDPR UK
UK General Data Protection Regulation
Key Features
- Accountability principle demands demonstrable compliance evidence
- Seven core data processing principles enforced legally
- Extra-territorial scope targets non-UK organizations
- Fines up to 4% worldwide annual turnover
- Risk-based DPIAs for high-risk processing mandatory
ISO 30301
ISO 30301:2019 Management systems for records Requirements
Key Features
- High-Level Structure for MSS integration
- Normative Annex A operational controls
- Explicit records requirements analysis (4.1.2)
- Risk-based planning and measurable objectives
- Flexible conformity pathways including certification
Detailed Analysis
A comprehensive look at the specific requirements, scope, and impact of each standard.
GDPR UK Details
What It Is
UK GDPR is the UK's post-Brexit data protection regulation, adapting EU GDPR via Data Protection Act 2018. It mandates lawful personal data processing for UK-established or targeting organizations. Scope covers controllers/processors with risk-based, accountability-focused approach.
Key Components
- Seven principles: lawfulness, purpose limitation, minimisation, accuracy, storage limitation, security, accountability.
- Data subject rights (access, erasure, portability).
- Controller/processor obligations (RoPA, contracts, DPIAs).
- No certification; ICO-enforced compliance with fines to 4% global turnover.
Why Organizations Use It
Legal obligation reduces enforcement risks (£17.5M fines). Enhances trust, operational efficiency via data governance. Manages breaches, rights requests; supports cross-border business.
Implementation Overview
Phased: map data/ROPA, policies/contracts, training, DPIAs, audits. Applies all sizes/industries in UK scope. ICO guidance; ongoing monitoring, no formal certification.
ISO 30301 Details
What It Is
ISO 30301:2019 is an international certifiable standard titled Information and documentation — Management systems for records — Requirements. It specifies requirements for establishing, implementing, maintaining, and improving a Management System for Records (MSR). The primary purpose is to ensure organizations create, control, and preserve reliable evidence of business activities supporting mandate, strategy, and goals. It uses a risk-based management system approach aligned with the High-Level Structure (HLS) in Clauses 4–10, plus records-specific operations in Clause 8 and Annex A (normative).
Key Components
- Six core clauses (4–10): context, leadership, planning, support, operation, performance evaluation, improvement.
- **Annex Anormative operational controls for records processes, systems.
- Built on ISO 15489 principles (authenticity, reliability, integrity, usability).
- Flexible conformity: self-declaration, external confirmation, or third-party certification.
Why Organizations Use It
- Drives governance, compliance (legal/regulatory), risk mitigation (evidence loss), efficiency (retrieval/disposition).
- Enhances auditability, transparency, stakeholder trust; integrates with ISO 9001, 27001.
Implementation Overview
- Phased: gap analysis, policy design, operational controls, audits.
- Applies to any organization/size/sector; 9–18 months typical; certification optional via accredited bodies.
Key Differences
| Aspect | GDPR UK | ISO 30301 |
|---|---|---|
| Scope | Personal data processing principles, rights, security | Records management systems, lifecycle controls |
| Industry | All sectors handling UK personal data, extra-territorial | Any organization, all sectors, global applicability |
| Nature | Mandatory regulation, ICO enforcement, fines | Voluntary certifiable standard, self-declaration options |
| Testing | DPIAs, breach simulations, ICO audits | Internal audits, management reviews, certification audits |
| Penalties | Fines up to £17.5M or 4% global turnover | Loss of certification, no direct legal penalties |
Scope
Industry
Nature
Testing
Penalties
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about GDPR UK and ISO 30301
GDPR UK FAQ
ISO 30301 FAQ
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