As government shifts to platform-based services, delivery is fundamentally changing. Systems are no longer owned by single departments, but built on shared infrastructure, powered by cross-government data, and shaped by automated decision-making. While this enables scale and efficiency, it raises a critical question: when something goes wrong, who is accountable? This panel will explore real-world experiences from senior leaders operating in complex, cross-government environments. Rather than theoretical discussion, speakers will reflect on situations where accountability was unclear, decisions had to be made under pressure, and existing governance models were tested.

• When systems are jointly owned and continuously evolving, how should accountability be defined?
• How do we assign responsibility when decisions become automated?
• Are current governance, audit, and assurance models fit for platform-based government?
• What practical steps can leaders take now to prepare for failure, not just delivery success?