A line managers guide to managing short term sickness absence in accordance with NES policy can be downloaded here.

When dealing with formal stages of absence cases, NES policy states that a senior manager should be on the panel. NES would ask that a different manager chairs each formal stage to allow for a fresh review of the case.

As a very senior level manager is likely to be used at stage 3, you may invite a manager of equal seniority but from a different department to hear the appeal.