He issued a set of rules governing the clergy in his diocese and the required furnishing of churches and continued the rebuilding efforts at Exeter Cathedral.

Quinel had the office of archdeacon of St David's in 1263, and later became a canon of Exeter Cathedral in 1276.

[3] His consecration took place at Canterbury Cathedral and was performed by Richard of Gravesend who was Bishop of London.

[2] While bishop, Quinel legislated that clerics' clothes should be all one colour,[4] gave detailed lists of the required furnishings of a church,[5] and ordered that any uneducated clergy should be deprived of office.

[3] He was buried in the lady chapel in his cathedral, where his tomb slab is still extant.