This scenario-led discussion will examine what happens when a shared government service fails and responsibility is distributed across multiple organisations, systems and decision-makers. Using a fictional but realistic case as a common starting point, speakers will draw on their different experiences of technology delivery, operational leadership, policy, regulation and public accountability. Together, they will explore how decisions should be made under pressure, where responsibility should sit, and what leaders can put in place now to ensure shared ownership does not become diluted accountability.

• 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?