What is Role-Based Access Control? — UK Software Development Guide
Direct Answer
Role-Based Access Control (RBAC) is an access control model where permissions to access resources are assigned to roles, and users are assigned to roles. For example: an "Admin" role can read and write all records; a "User" role can only read and write their own records; a "Viewer" role can only read records. RBAC simplifies permission management by grouping permissions into meaningful roles rather than assigning permissions directly to individual users.
RBAC in the UK
RBAC is a fundamental UK compliance control. UK GDPR Article 32 requires "appropriate access controls" — RBAC is the standard implementation. Cyber Essentials User Access Control: the principle of least privilege (users only have the minimum access needed) is a Cyber Essentials requirement — RBAC implements this. DTAC Domain 2 (Data Protection): NHS-connected software must demonstrate that clinical data is only accessible to authorised clinical personnel — RBAC with role validation per NHS ODS code. ClickMasters implements RBAC using PostgreSQL Row-Level Security (database-enforced, cannot be bypassed by application bugs) combined with application-layer RBAC.
Related Glossary Terms
UK GDPR
UK GDPR explained for UK software developers and business owners. UK GDPR (UK General Data Protection Regulation) is the post-Brexit version of EU GDPR, retained into UK law via the Euro... UK context, examples, and related services.
Cyber Essentials
Cyber Essentials explained for UK software developers and business owners. Cyber Essentials is a UK government-backed cybersecurity certification scheme developed by NCSC (National Cyber Security... UK context, examples, and related services.
DEVOPS
DevOps explained for UK software developers and business owners. DevOps is a set of practices, principles, and culture that combines software development (Dev) and IT operations (Ops) t... UK context, examples, and related services.
React
React.js explained for UK software developers. React (also known as React.js or ReactJS) is an open-source JavaScript library developed by Meta (formerly Facebook) for... UK context and related services.
Penetration-testing
Penetration Testing explained for UK software developers. Penetration testing (pen testing) is a simulated cyber attack against a software system, network, or application to disc... UK context and related services.
GRAPHQL
GraphQL explained for UK software developers. GraphQL is a query language for APIs and a server-side runtime for executing those queries, developed by Meta (Facebook)... UK context and related services.
Get Expert Advice on RBAC
Speak with our UK software development experts about RBAC. Free consultation, transparent pricing, no obligation.