The 'vital connection' : a rhetoric on equality.

Abstract

The paper's principal focus of analysis is an equalities framework introduced into the UK National Health Service in April 2000. This framework, called “The Vital Connection” is first contextualised against the background of long standing concerns and debates relating to equal opportunities within the NHS. In going on to examine the framework document the paper conducts a rhetorical analysis of the document which this paper treats as a piece of instrumental discourse. In doing this, the intent of the paper is an examination of how the rhetoric of the document attempts to generate support and identification in attempting to move equal opportunities further up the managerial agenda.