User role editor not left people going a private group

Hi
Since updating User Role Editor, members are not able to join private groups, nor are they able as ‘contributors’ to add new events and write ups on my web site. When they log in and click dashboard it just leaves them with their profile details.

I’ve deactivated the plugin and did a test (joining the private group) on a new member which seemed to work, but others tell me they are not able to join my private group. Even with deactivation they are still, as contributors, not able to add write ups and blog posts.
Any help is appreciated. I also have this query on the BPress site, with options to test on Twenty Twelve ( i’ll break it if I do) but as I’m waiting for my techie friend and web theme designer to get back to me, I’m a little stuck and blog posts and new events are waiting to be added by my members
I have a custom theme btw.

Thanks
Lynn