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Signal uses a hierarchical role system to control access. Each staff member is assigned one role per school, and that role determines what they can see, create, and manage throughout the platform.

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Role overview

RoleAccess level
OwnerFull access to everything — incidents, staff incidents, all settings, and staff management. Manages the Signal account itself.
DSLFull safeguarding access — student and staff incidents, all settings, and staff management.
Deputy DSLSame access as DSL.
AdminCan manage settings (categories, locations, groups, and more) but has limited incident access.
ViewerRead-only access to student incidents. Cannot access staff incidents or settings.
MemberA placeholder role with no login access. Used for staff who should appear in the system but do not need to use it.
Roles are hierarchical — each role includes all the permissions of the roles below it. For example, an Admin can do everything a Viewer can, plus manage settings.

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How roles affect what you see

Your role determines which items appear in the sidebar, which dashboard sections are visible, and what actions you can take.
You see the full sidebar, including staff incidents, all settings pages, and staff management. Your dashboard shows both student and staff mentions, alerts, drafts, upcoming reviews, and pending monitors.
You can access settings pages to manage categories, locations, agencies, groups, and other configuration. You have limited access to incidents and cannot view staff incidents.
You can view student incidents and their details but cannot create or edit them beyond adding comments. Staff incidents, settings, and staff management are not visible to you.
You cannot log in to Signal. This role is used for staff members who need to appear in lists (for example, as a contact or witness on an incident) but do not need their own access.

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Staff incidents require a privileged role

Staff incidents are only accessible to staff with the Owner, DSL, or Deputy DSL role. If you have the Admin or Viewer role, you will not see the Staff Incidents section at all. This restriction protects the sensitivity of concerns involving staff members.
Additionally, Signal enforces self-exclusion on staff incidents. If you are named in a staff incident, you are automatically prevented from viewing it — even if you hold the DSL role.

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Next steps

Managing Staff Members

Learn how to add, invite, edit, and remove staff.

Staff Groups

Organise staff into groups for access control and alert routing.