ISO 9001
International standard for quality management systems
GDPR UK
UK regulation for personal data protection compliance
Quick Verdict
ISO 9001 provides voluntary quality management certification for global operations, enhancing efficiency and trust. GDPR UK mandates personal data protection for UK activities with strict fines. Companies adopt ISO 9001 for market access; GDPR UK to avoid penalties.
ISO 9001
ISO 9001:2015 Quality Management Systems Requirements
GDPR UK
UK General Data Protection Regulation
Key Features
- Seven core processing principles with accountability
- Enforceable individual data subject rights
- Mandatory Records of Processing Activities (RoPA)
- Risk-based Data Protection Impact Assessments (DPIAs)
- 72-hour personal data breach notification to ICO
Detailed Analysis
A comprehensive look at the specific requirements, scope, and impact of each standard.
ISO 9001 Details
What It Is
ISO 9001:2015 Quality management systems – Requirements is the international certification standard for establishing effective Quality Management Systems (QMS). It provides a flexible, process-oriented framework applicable to any organization, focusing on consistent delivery of products/services meeting customer and regulatory needs. Key approach: risk-based thinking and PDCA cycle.
Key Components
- 10 clauses (4-10 auditable): context, leadership, planning, support, operation, evaluation, improvement.
- Built on 7 Quality Management Principles (customer focus, leadership, etc.).
- High-Level Structure (Annex SL) for integration with other ISO standards.
- Voluntary third-party certification with audits.
Why Organizations Use It
- Enhances customer satisfaction, operational efficiency, cost savings.
- Meets market/contractual demands; boosts reputation.
- Manages risks proactively; drives continual improvement.
- Over 1 million certifications worldwide signal trust.
Implementation Overview
- Gap analysis, process mapping, training, internal audits.
- 6-12 months typical; suits all sizes/industries.
- Certification via accredited bodies; ongoing surveillance.
GDPR UK Details
What It Is
UK General Data Protection Regulation (UK GDPR) is the UK's post-Brexit adaptation of the EU GDPR, a binding regulation enforced by the Information Commissioner’s Office (ICO). It governs personal data processing with a risk-based, accountability-focused approach, applying to UK-established organisations and those targeting UK individuals extraterritorially.
Key Components
- Seven core principles: lawfulness, purpose limitation, data minimisation, accuracy, storage limitation, integrity/confidentiality, accountability.
- Individual rights: access, rectification, erasure, portability, objection.
- Controller/processor obligations: records (RoPA), contracts, DPIAs, security, breach notification.
- No formal certification; compliance via demonstrable governance and ICO enforcement (fines up to 4% global turnover).
Why Organizations Use It
- Mandatory legal compliance to avoid fines (£17.5M or 4% turnover).
- Enhances trust, reduces breach risks, supports data-driven innovation.
- Builds reputation, enables cross-border operations, streamlines vendor management.
Implementation Overview
- Phased: gap analysis, RoPA mapping, policies, training, DPIAs, audits.
- Applies to all sizes handling UK personal data; ongoing monitoring required, no certification but ICO audits possible.
Key Differences
| Aspect | ISO 9001 | GDPR UK |
|---|---|---|
| Scope | Quality management systems for products/services | Personal data protection and privacy |
| Industry | All industries worldwide, any size | Any handling UK personal data, extra-territorial |
| Nature | Voluntary certifiable standard | Mandatory legal regulation |
| Testing | Third-party certification audits every 3 years | Internal audits, ICO enforcement investigations |
| Penalties | Loss of certification, no fines | Fines up to 4% global turnover |
Scope
Industry
Nature
Testing
Penalties
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about ISO 9001 and GDPR UK
ISO 9001 FAQ
GDPR UK FAQ
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