Achieving ISO 27001 certification is a considerable milestone for any business managing sensitive data. The certification process ensures that your organisation has a robust Information Security Management System (ISMS) in place to protect information assets from cyber threats, data breaches, and compliance risks.
It’s no secret that getting ISO 27001 certified is a significant process. It requires a structured and well-documented approach to information security. Businesses have to establish clear security policies, conduct risk assessments, implement technical and procedural controls, define access management processes, monitor security incidents, and ensure continuous improvement. In addition, compliance requires extensive documentation, internal audits, staff training, and preparation for a formal certification audit by an accredited body.
For many organisations, this raises a critical question: do we have the internal expertise and resources to manage this ourselves, or do we need an ISO 27001 consultant to guide us?
What does ISO 27001 certification involve?
ISO 27001 sets the standard for information security management, requiring businesses to establish, maintain, and continuously improve an ISMS. Certification involves:
- Defining the ISMS scope – Identifying the information assets that need protection and determining the relevant risks.
- Conducting risk assessments – Evaluating vulnerabilities and implementing security controls to mitigate them.
- Documenting policies and procedures – Establishing clear guidelines that align with ISO 27001 requirements.
- Training and awareness – Ensuring employees understand their roles in maintaining information security.
- Internal audits – Regularly reviewing the ISMS to identify gaps and areas for improvement.
- Certification audit – A formal assessment by an accredited certification body to verify compliance.
While these steps are theoretically straightforward, implementing them requires time, expertise, and a structured approach.
Can you achieve certification without a consultant?
Technically, yes—but for most businesses, it’s a complex and resource-intensive process without external support. Key challenges include:
- Interpreting ISO 27001 requirements – The standard is detailed and technical, requiring precise implementation.
- Developing compliant policies – Many businesses struggle to create policies that meet certification criteria.
- Managing documentation – An ISMS requires extensive documentation, which can be time-consuming and difficult to maintain.
- Preparing for audits – Without experience, organisations may overlook key compliance areas, leading to audit failures or delays.
For businesses with in-house ISO 27001 expertise, managing the process internally might be feasible. However, for those unfamiliar with information security frameworks, the risk of errors and inefficiencies can outweigh the cost savings of doing it alone.
How an ISO 27001 consultant simplifies the process
ICS’s ISO 27001 consultants help businesses navigate the certification process as efficiently and effectively as possible. Our role is to:
- Perform a gap analysis – Assessing where your current information security practices stand against ISO 27001 requirements.
- Develop and implement a tailored ISMS – Ensuring security measures align with your business model, industry, and regulatory environment.
- Streamline documentation and policy creation – Providing clear, structured policies that meet certification standards.
- Conduct internal audits and compliance checks – Identifying gaps before the formal certification audit.
- Prepare for external certification audits – Helping your team demonstrate compliance to auditors confidently.
Why businesses choose an ISO 27001 consultant
Working with a consultant offers a number of advantages:
- Expert guidance – Access to professionals who understand ISO 27001’s intricacies.
- Efficiency and time savings – Reducing the internal workload and fast-tracking certification.
- Improved compliance success rates – Minimising the risk of non-compliance during certification audits.
- Long-term security improvements – Establishing a framework for ongoing compliance and risk management.
ICS’s Digital IMS+ technology further simplifies the process by providing cloud-based compliance management, eliminating the inefficiencies of manual or paper-based systems.
Choosing the right ISO 27001 consultant
Not all consultants offer the same level of expertise. When selecting a partner, consider:
- Experience and credentials – Look for consultants with a strong track record in ISO 27001 implementations.
- Customisation – While turnkey solutions may work for some businesses, flexibility is essential for others. Choose a consultant who can tailor solutions to your business.
- Technology integration – Ensure they use modern, cloud-based tools for efficient ISMS management.
- Ongoing support – Certification is just the beginning; compliance needs to be maintained over time.
At ICS, we offer lean, low-burden, and robust compliance solutions tailored to your business, ensuring certification readiness and long-term success.
Conclusion: Do you need an ISO 27001 consultant?
While it’s possible to achieve ISO 27001 certification without a consultant, most businesses benefit significantly from expert guidance. A well-implemented system is key to compliance, and working with a consultant helps ensure a structured, efficient, and successful certification process.
If your business is looking to streamline ISO 27001 certification, ICS’s consultants can guide you every step of the way.
Get in touch to learn how we can help you implement a robust ISMS tailored to your needs.