Who must ensure that Product Backlog items conform to the Definition of "Done"?

The responsibility for ensuring that Product Backlog items conform to the Definition of "Done" lies primarily with the Development Team. This is because the Definition of "Done" is critical for establishing a clear understanding of what it means for work to be complete. The Development Team is tasked with implementing the work and is best positioned to determine when the criteria outlined in the Definition of "Done" have been met.

While the Product Owner plays a vital role in managing the Product Backlog and ensuring that items align with stakeholder needs and expectations, it is the Development Team that performs the actual work and applies the Definition of "Done" as they execute their tasks. They also have shared ownership of the quality and completeness of their work products, which strengthens their commitment to delivering a potentially shippable increment of the product.

Understanding this collaborative dynamic is essential in Scrum, where roles and responsibilities are clearly defined to ensure effective workflows and quality outcomes. The Definition of "Done" serves as a shared reference point that helps the Development Team deliver high-quality work consistently.