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ISO 27701 Readiness Assessment Checklist

Assess your organization's ISO 27701 readiness with our comprehensive checklist covering Privacy Information Management System (PIMS) requirements for controllers and processors.

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Get instant access to our ISO 27701 Readiness Assessment Checklist

  • ✓ PIMS Requirements
  • ✓ Controller & Processor Controls
  • ✓ GDPR Mapping
  • ✓ Gap Analysis Template

Free for organizations pursuing ISO 27701

What's Included in This Checklist

Our ISO 27701 Readiness Assessment Checklist is designed to help organizations evaluate their privacy management practices against ISO 27701:2019 requirements. As an extension to ISO 27001/27002, this checklist focuses specifically on privacy controls for both data controllers and processors.

ISO 27701 Control Categories

The checklist covers all key areas defined in ISO 27701:

PIMS-Specific Requirements

Privacy extensions to ISO 27001 clauses

  • Context of the Organization
  • Leadership & Planning
  • Support & Operation
  • Performance Evaluation
Clauses 5-10

PII Controller Controls

Requirements for data controllers

  • Conditions for Collection
  • Obligations to PII Principals
  • Privacy by Design
  • PII Sharing & Transfer
Annex A

PII Processor Controls

Requirements for data processors

  • Customer Agreements
  • Processing Legitimacy
  • Sub-contractor Management
  • Data Return & Disposal
Annex B

GDPR Mapping

Alignment with EU regulations

  • Legal Basis for Processing
  • Data Subject Rights
  • Cross-Border Transfers
  • Breach Notification
Annex D

Checklist Structure

Each control area in the checklist includes:

Component Description
Control Reference ISO 27701 clause/annex reference
Control Question Clear yes/no question about control implementation
Role Applicability Whether control applies to Controller, Processor, or Both
Evidence Examples Types of documentation auditors typically request
GDPR Article Mapping Related GDPR requirements where applicable

Sample Checklist Questions

Here's a preview of the types of questions included:

Annex A - PII Controller Controls

A.7.2.1 - Is the purpose for PII processing identified and documented before processing begins?

Evidence: Privacy notices, data processing registers, consent forms

A.7.3.1 - Is there a process for PII principals to access their personal data upon request?

Evidence: DSR procedures, response templates, tracking logs

Annex B - PII Processor Controls

B.8.2.1 - Are there documented agreements with customers specifying processing purposes?

Evidence: DPAs, service agreements, processing instructions

B.8.5.1 - Is PII returned or securely deleted at the end of the processing relationship?

Evidence: Data deletion procedures, certificates of destruction

How to Use This Checklist

Follow these five steps to effectively assess your ISO 27701 readiness:

1

Determine Your Role

Identify whether your organization acts as a PII Controller, PII Processor, or both. This determines which annexes and controls are applicable to your assessment.

2

Map Your Data Flows

Document all PII processing activities, including what data you collect, why, how it's used, where it's stored, and who it's shared with.

3

Conduct Gap Assessment

Work through each applicable control systematically. Leverage your existing ISO 27001 ISMS foundation to identify privacy-specific gaps.

4

Implement Privacy Controls

Address identified gaps by implementing privacy-specific policies, procedures, and technical controls. Ensure alignment with applicable regulations like GDPR.

5

Integrate with ISMS

Extend your ISO 27001 ISMS to include PIMS requirements. Update your Statement of Applicability and ensure privacy controls are integrated into your management system.

Template Specifications

Format PDF
Controls Covered PIMS requirements + Controller & Processor annexes
Prerequisites ISO 27001 certification recommended
Standard Version ISO/IEC 27701:2019
Last Updated November 2025

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