Director of prison replaced after less than a year

The director of a prison in East Yorkshire has been replaced less than a year since it opened.

Mitie, the company that operates HMP Millsike, announced on Sunday that an interim director had taken over from Samantha Pariser, who had moved into a "new strategic role".

It comes after a prison watchdog raised concerns over the "safety and security" of the jail, which opened in March 2025.

Russell Trent, managing director at Mitie Care & Custody, said Pariser had "laid strong foundations for the future" and the prison remained "committed to creating an environment that is focused on rehabilitation".

It comes after the Independent Monitoring Board (IMB) said in January that during staff visits, they noticed "inconsistent gate security", with "doors and gates being left open".

The IMB then wrote to the Minister for Prisons, Lord Timpson, claiming that its members "only visit in pairs due to feeling unsafe on the wings".

A Ministry of Justice spokesperson said in January that the concerns were "being taken seriously, with action already underway to address them".

Sarah Mallender, who is currently the director at Heathrow Immigration Removal Centre, has been appointed as director and will take over in June.

Mitie said she had almost 30 years of experience in social justice, custodial and immigration removal settings, and previously held senior roles in private prisons and HM Prison and Probation Service.

Trent said: "We look forward to welcoming Sarah in June.

"Her expertise in leading complex operational environments will ensure continued strength and stability as we build on the progress made to date."

The prison was built on land next to HMP Full Sutton, near York, and is a Category C jail which will eventually house almost 1,500 inmates.

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