Fixing "Permission Denied" for User Groups
Why Sched can't create user groups and how to fix it.
Common Error
Why This Happens
This is a Slack platform limitation, not a bug in Sched. By default, Slack workspaces only allow administrators to create and manage user groups. When this restriction is in place, bot apps like Sched cannot create user groups, even with the correct OAuth permissions.
This applies to all Slack apps that manage user groups - it's how Slack's security model works.
How to Fix It
A workspace administrator must change the user group permissions. Follow these steps:
For Pro and Business+ Plans
- Click your workspace name in the Slack sidebar
- Select Tools & settings → Workspace settings
- Go to the Permissions tab
- Find and expand the User Groups section
- Change "Who can create user groups" to Everyone (or at minimum include admins and apps)
- Click Save
For Enterprise Grid
If your organization uses Enterprise Grid, an org-level policy may override workspace settings. Contact your Slack organization admin to update the User Groups policy at the organization level.
After Changing Permissions
Once the workspace admin has updated the permissions, return to Sched and try creating the user group again. No reinstallation or re-authentication is required.
Alternative: Create Groups in Slack First
If changing workspace permissions isn't possible, you can create user groups directly in Slack, then link them to Sched:
- Have an admin create the user group in Slack
- In Sched, go to your rotation schedule settings
- Select the existing user group from the dropdown instead of creating a new one
Note: Sched can update user groups created by anyone, but can only create new groups when workspace permissions allow it.
Still Having Issues?
- Make sure the person who installed Sched is a Workspace Admin/Owner
- Verify Sched has the
usergroups:writescope (visible during OAuth authorization) - Check if your workspace is on a paid Slack plan (Free plans don't support user groups)