Standards Comparison

    GDPR UK

    Mandatory
    2021

    UK regulation for personal data protection compliance

    VS

    ISO 41001

    Voluntary
    2018

    International standard for facility management systems

    Quick Verdict

    GDPR UK mandates data protection compliance for all handling UK personal data, enforced by ICO fines up to 4% turnover. ISO 41001 is voluntary FM certification optimizing facilities for efficiency and sustainability. Organizations adopt GDPR UK legally, ISO 41001 strategically.

    Data Privacy

    GDPR UK

    UK General Data Protection Regulation

    Cost
    €€€€
    Complexity
    Medium
    Implementation Time
    12-18 months

    Key Features

    • Demonstrable accountability principle requires compliance evidence
    • Fines up to 4% global annual turnover
    • 72-hour ICO personal data breach notification
    • Extra-territorial scope targets non-UK UK-monitoring entities
    • Risk-based DPIAs for high-risk processing activities
    Facility Management

    ISO 41001

    ISO 41001:2018 Facility management - Management systems - Requirements

    Cost
    €€€
    Complexity
    Medium
    Implementation Time
    12-18 months

    Key Features

    • Distinguishes FM organization from demand organization
    • Aligns with ISO HLS for integrated management systems
    • Mandates stakeholder requirements lifecycle (Clause 4.2)
    • Requires business continuity and emergency preparedness
    • Emphasizes service integration and coordination (Clause 8)

    Detailed Analysis

    A comprehensive look at the specific requirements, scope, and impact of each standard.

    GDPR UK Details

    What It Is

    UK General Data Protection Regulation (UK GDPR) is the post-Brexit adaptation of EU GDPR into UK law, enforced by the Information Commissioner’s Office (ICO). It's a binding regulation applying to personal data processing, using a risk-based, accountability-focused approach with seven core principles.

    Key Components

    • **Seven principleslawfulness, fairness, purpose limitation, data minimisation, accuracy, storage limitation, integrity/confidentiality, and accountability.
    • Individual rights (access, erasure, portability), controller/processor obligations, security measures, DPIAs, breach notifications.
    • Compliance via demonstrable records (RoPA), contracts, and governance; fines up to 4% global turnover.

    Why Organizations Use It

    Mandatory for UK-established or UK-targeting entities; mitigates £17.5M+ fines, enhances trust, reduces breach risks, enables cross-border operations. Builds reputation, supports AI/data innovation.

    Implementation Overview

    Phased: data mapping (RoPA), policies/contracts, training, DPIAs, rights/breach processes. Applies to all sizes handling UK data; ongoing audits, no certification but ICO enforcement.

    ISO 41001 Details

    What It Is

    ISO 41001:2018 — Facility management — Management systems — Requirements with guidance for use is an international certification standard for facility management systems (FMS). It specifies requirements to demonstrate effective, efficient FM delivery supporting demand organization objectives, interested parties' needs, and sustainability in competitive environments. Built on ISO High-Level Structure (HLS) and PDCA cycle, it applies a risk-based, process-oriented approach.

    Key Components

    • Clauses 4–10: Context, Leadership, Planning, Support, Operation, Performance Evaluation, Improvement.
    • FM-specific elements: stakeholder coordination (4.2), service integration (8.3), risk including continuity (6.1).
    • HLS enables integration with ISO 9001/14001/45001.
    • Third-party certification by accredited bodies.

    Why Organizations Use It

    • Drives strategic alignment, cost control, occupant wellbeing.
    • Mitigates risks (compliance, continuity, climate via 2024 Amendment).
    • Enhances ESG, procurement advantage, stakeholder trust.
    • Boosts efficiency, reputation via measurable KPIs.

    Implementation Overview

    • Phased: gap analysis, policy/objectives, processes, audits.
    • All sizes/sectors; 6–24 months typical.
    • Internal audits, management reviews precede certification.

    Key Differences

    Scope

    GDPR UK
    Personal data processing, rights, security, transfers
    ISO 41001
    Facility management systems, services, assets, operations

    Industry

    GDPR UK
    All sectors handling UK personal data, extra-territorial
    ISO 41001
    All sectors with facilities, non-sector specific, global

    Nature

    GDPR UK
    Mandatory regulation, ICO enforcement, fines
    ISO 41001
    Voluntary certification standard, audits, no fines

    Testing

    GDPR UK
    DPIAs, breach simulations, ICO consultations
    ISO 41001
    Internal audits, management reviews, certification audits

    Penalties

    GDPR UK
    Fines up to £17.5M or 4% global turnover
    ISO 41001
    Loss of certification, no legal penalties

    Frequently Asked Questions

    Common questions about GDPR UK and ISO 41001

    GDPR UK FAQ

    ISO 41001 FAQ

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