What It Is

ISO/IEC 17025:2017 is the international standard specifying general requirements for the competence, impartiality, and consistent operation of testing and calibration laboratories. It applies a risk-based, performance-oriented approach tying management controls to technical validity of results, covering sampling, testing, calibration, and associated activities.

Key Components

• Eight main clauses: general (impartiality/confidentiality), structural, resource, process, and management system requirements.
• Core elements include personnel competence, metrological traceability, measurement uncertainty, method validation, proficiency testing.
• Built on risk-based thinking and PDCA cycle; Option A/B for management systems (standalone or ISO 9001-integrated).
• Leads to accreditation by ILAC-recognized bodies attesting technical scope.

Why Organizations Use It

• Ensures globally accepted results reducing retesting and trade barriers.
• Meets regulatory/supply chain demands; mitigates legal/reputational risks.
• Drives efficiency, trust, market access; common pitfalls avoided via robust evidence.

Implementation Overview

• Phased: gap analysis, documentation, technical validation, audits, accreditation.
• Suited for labs of all sizes in regulated industries worldwide.
• Involves witnessed assessments, ongoing surveillance, proficiency testing.

What It Is

UK General Data Protection Regulation (UK GDPR) is the post-Brexit retained version of EU GDPR, a binding regulation enforced by the ICO. Its primary purpose is protecting individuals' personal data rights across processing activities. It employs a risk-based, accountability-focused approach with demonstrable compliance.

Key Components

• Seven core principles: lawfulness, purpose limitation, minimisation, accuracy, storage limitation, security, accountability.
• Data subject rights (access, rectification, erasure, portability, objection).
• Controller/processor obligations, lawful bases, DPIAs, breach management.
• No fixed controls; compliance via governance, records (RoPA), contracts.

Why Organizations Use It

• Mandatory for UK data handlers; fines up to 4% global turnover or £17.5m.
• Mitigates regulatory, reputational risks; builds trust.
• Enables secure innovation, vendor ecosystems, cross-border operations.

Implementation Overview

Phased: data mapping (RoPA), policies/contracts, training, DPIAs, security/breach readiness. Applies to most organizations handling UK personal data; extra-territorial scope. No certification; ICO audits/enforcement.