Mitie Group plc announced Current Director, Samantha Pariser, will move into a new strategic role within Mitie. Appointed to lead the establishment through its first year of operation, in a role designed to guide HMP Millsike from mobilisation into a fully functioning prison, she has provided the leadership needed during this crucial phase. During her tenure at HMP Millsike, Samantha has been instrumental in establishing a safe, and stable operational environment that now accommodates nearly 1,000 men.
The new Director, Sarah Mallender, will join HMP Millsike in June, bringing almost 30 years of experience in social justice, custodial and immigration removal settings. Sarah is currently the Centre Director at Heathrow Immigration Removal Centre (IRC), the largest IRC in Europe, having joined Mitie in 2022, and previously held senior roles in private prisons, HM Prison and Probation Service (HMPPS) and the third sector, in both the UK and Australia. Sarah will bring a proven ability to lead and develop professional, high-performing teams with a sustained commitment to operational excellence in complex settings.
In May 2025, the Home Office Honours Board nominated Sarah to attend Buckingham Palace in recognition of her services at Heathrow IRC. In the meantime, Paul Newton will take on the role of Interim Director of HMP Millsike. Paul is a well-respected veteran of prison operations, with more than 35 years of experience across HMPPS, having served as Governing Governor at HMP Drake Hall, HMP Swaleside, HMP Birmingham and most recently at HMP Hewell.
His extensive operational and national experience, including work to enhance services across the women's prison estate, underpins his strong track record of driving safety, stability and performance.
