Any costs Order made when your client is not there, must be notified to them in writing no later than 7 days after you receive notice of the Order, ie. The general costs rule remains that costs follow the event. Even if you make an offer to settle which doesn't adhere to the strict rules of Part 36, the Court will take it into account, as opposed to an offer made in accordance with Part 36 where the Court must give effect to the cost consequences in Part 36.
Conduct is relevant before as well as during proceedings.
It includes adherence to pre-action protocols. Either standard or indemnity. Even if it is indemnity, you won't get unreasonably incurred costs or costs in an unreasonable amount. Standard Costs proportionate to the matters in issue - any doubt resolved in favour of the paying party. Indemnity Any doubt resolved in favour of the receiving party.