Overview
If you’re an admin user, it’s important to consider data licensing and permissions when inviting new users to the platform. To make this easier for you, we’ve set up some ready-made permission groups for you within the Manage Access panel.
This guide explains what the permission groups are, and how to use them to efficiently assign appropriate data access levels for new users.
What is a permission group?
A permission group is a collection of predefined permissions that determine the level of access a user has to various datasets on the platform. Access to datasets can be granted as follows:
No access – The user cannot view or interact with the dataset.
View only – The user can view the dataset but cannot make changes.
View & download – The user can view the dataset and export data if necessary.
While local authority/government users are granted full access automatically because they meet the necessary licence conditions, other users require custom permissions due to data licensing restrictions.
This can be complex for admins to configure on a user-by-user basis, so we’ve created some pre-configured permission groups to make this process easier.
Pre-configured permission groups
There are five pre-configured permission groups which are based on the relationship of the user with the local authority, and which set appropriate data permissions for each type:
Default Permission: All local authority and DNO users.
Contracted Collaborator: Contracted partners, consultants, or organisations directly involved in planning or delivering a LAEP, or other strategic energy planning work with the council. These groups should hold a Public Sector contractor licence or an end-user license from the Ordnance Survey.
End User / Stakeholder: Third parties (ie community groups or universities) directly involved in planning or delivering a LAEP or LHEES, or other strategic energy planning work, with the council. The third-party DOES have an end-user licence from the Ordnance Survey.
LAEP Collaborator: Third parties (ie community groups or universities) directly involved in planning or delivering a LAEP or LHEES, or other strategic energy planning work, with the council. The third-party DOES NOT have a Public Sector contractor licence or an end-user licence from the Ordnance Survey (if they do, refer to group 2 or 3).
Approved Commercial Collaborator: Trusted commercial partners who are working closely with local authorities on projects requiring access to data, not related to strategic energy planning (if they are, refer to group 3). The third-party does NOT need to hold a Public Sector contractor licence or an end-user licence from the Ordnance Survey (if they do, refer to group 2).
Open Datasets Only: Users in this group do not hold any of the licences or agreements which allow them to view any of the restricted data within the platform.
How to use permission groups
To streamline the user invitation process, admins should follow these steps:
Invite a New User: When inviting a new user to the platform, you can assign them to one of the above permission groups.
Select the Appropriate Permission Group: Choose the permission group that best reflects the user’s role and the level of access they should have.
If the user falls outside these standard categories, you can further customise their permissions manually by creating a new group.
Review and Confirm Access: Ensure the permissions assigned to the user align with their responsibilities and the data protection requirements of your local authority.
If you’re not sure which permission group you should assign to a new user, don’t hesitate to reach out to us via the live chat icon in the lower right corner of your screen.
Note: Occasionally, permissions for contracted parties or stakeholders may be reviewed, amended and/or denied. We will always communicate this change with the admin at your local authority.