Create an announcements forum members can only read

Where: Admin → Content → Forum Categories; Members → Groups & permissions

Before you start

Category levels are additive. No access does not subtract a grant from another group. Staff bypasses mean your administrator session cannot prove the member restriction works.

Steps

1. Create an Announcements category and save it.
2. Choose that category under Category access. Give Registered Can view.
3. Give the intended staff group Full access. Leave Guests ungranted for a members-only area, or Can view if it should be publicly readable.
4. Check every other group held by your test member: another Full access grant can still allow posting.
5. Write a staff announcement, then test using an ordinary account and a private guest window.

Verify

Member can read but cannot start/reply. Guest behaviour matches the intended audience. Staff can publish.

Troubleshooting

If a member posts, review all their memberships and explicit category levels. If nobody sees it, ensure at least the intended reader group was granted access.